New developments in the Austrian corruption file!
In the corruption proceedings surrounding conservative ÖVP and former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, a polling expert has been arrested.
A similar report was confirmed by lawyers and government departments to the Austrian news agency APA.
The accusation: The public prosecutor suspects that the pollster played a key role in creating flowery polls in favor of the ÖVP, which were then reported in the media. It is said that tax money was embezzled for this.
The reason for the arrest is said to be the risk of obfuscation – the risk of damaging, altering or affecting evidence. The accused is said to have erased the hard drive of her computer shortly before the October 6 home search.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economics and Corruption (WKStA) has not confirmed the operation. She stated that she was not allowed to respond to inquiries regarding specific investigation procedures in the ongoing investigation procedures. The suspect’s lawyer was not initially present.
This is the background
The Attorney General’s Office is investigating former counsel Sebastian Kurz and nine other suspects for possible breach of trust, bribery and corruption. Kurtz’s team is said to have orchestrated the 35-year-old’s rise in party and government by collaborating with a media company and using tax money for it. Kurz and the Media House have vehemently denied the allegations.
Curtis resigned Saturday night under pressure from the corruption investigations against him. He justified his resignation by the threatening “stalemate” other than that caused by the partner in the Green Alliance. The Greens had deliberately turned away from him, slamming Curtis. The new Austrian chancellor, Alexander Schallenberg, announced the continuation of the course set by his predecessor.
Schallenberg is one of the closest circle of Kurz. Both have a number of thematic positions in common – especially on immigration policy and in their attitude towards Turkey. The new chancellor also backed his predecessor with regard to allegations of corruption.