Convicted in the Buwog scandal, Karl-Heinz Grasser filed for bankruptcy, citing legal costs, despite owing €9.8 million. His insolvency case is complex and its outcome uncertain.


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Karl-Heinz Grasser Files for Personal Bankruptcy

Former Austrian Finance Minister Karl-Heinz Grasser, recently convicted to four years in prison for his role in the Buwog corruption scandal, has filed for personal bankruptcy. This surprising development follows his March conviction by the Supreme Court (OGH), where he was ordered to pay €9.8 million in damages to the Austrian Republic.

The Buwog Scandal and its Aftermath

Grasser, the main defendant in the Buwog case—Austria's largest corruption trial—was found guilty of breach of trust and accepting gifts. The case centered around the controversial 2004 privatization of 60,000 federal apartments, where irregularities in the bidding process led to significant financial losses for the state. The involvement of his friends, former lobbyists Walter Meischberger and Peter Hochegger, who received millions in commissions, further fueled the scandal. This outcome leaves a significant mark on Austrian political history.

Grasser's Financial Situation and the Bankruptcy Proceedings

Grasser's lawyer, Manfred Ainedter, stated that the lengthy legal proceedings left Grasser without income while incurring substantial costs, forcing him to seek bankruptcy protection. He filed for debt settlement at the Kitzbühel district court. The Credit Protection Association of 1870 (KSV) confirmed the filing, while the Alpine Creditors Association (AKV) anticipates the appointment of an insolvency administrator due to the case's complexity.

Implications of the Bankruptcy

Austrian insolvency law has specific rules for liabilities stemming from deliberate unlawful acts. Even after a three-to-five-year garnishment period, these debts remain. This means Grasser's €9.8 million debt to the Republic might only be relieved through a payment agreement with the Financial Procurator's Office, according to AKV insolvency expert Cornelia Wesenauer. The court will now determine if Grasser meets the legal requirements for insolvency.

Looking Ahead

The Grasser bankruptcy filing is a significant development, adding another layer to the already complex Buwog scandal. The coming days and weeks will be crucial as the courts assess his application and determine the next steps in the process. The outcome will undoubtedly have major implications for Grasser's future and potentially influence future corruption investigations in Austria.

FAQ

Karl-Heinz Grasser is a former Austrian politician who served as Minister of Finance. He was recently convicted in the Buwog scandal, a major corruption case involving the privatization of Austrian public housing.

The Buwog scandal centers around the controversial privatization of the Austrian public housing company Buwog. It involved allegations of bribery, corruption, and significant financial losses for the state. Grasser's conviction relates to his involvement in this privatization.

Grasser filed for bankruptcy due to substantial legal costs incurred during his lengthy and complex legal battle stemming from the Buwog scandal. He reportedly owes €9.8 million.

Grasser's insolvency case is currently underway and considered complex. The outcome is uncertain, and it will take time for the courts to assess his assets and debts to determine the final resolution.

The consequences will depend on the bankruptcy proceedings. It could involve the sale of his assets to repay creditors. It is unlikely to impact his existing jail sentence directly, but could have wider implications for his financial future and potential restitution to the state.

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