The “Tiroler Tageszeitung” reported on Monday that he missed the “necessary commitment” in the search for the Benko assets and that “too little was happening” on the criminal side. Liquidator Andreas Grabenweger saw his team as “optimally positioned”
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“The Signa/Benko case is highly complex. You need a lot of manpower and know-how,” said the “Lawyer of the Republic” to “TT”. “We have applied to the court for the appointment of a special asset manager to search for assets and bring in the assets so that the events of the past can be fully clarified and the creditors can achieve greater satisfaction,” Peschorn said. However, the fact that such a “special administrator” is requested is not unusual.
Grabenweger rejects allegations
However, trustee Grabenweger rejected the allegations. He and the law firm with which he has recently been working are “in an expanded team that is also ideally positioned to deal with René Benko’s insolvency.” Peschorn’s criticism is completely unfounded; the request for a “special administrator” has no basis. The bankruptcy court “deliberately did not approach this,” said Grabenweger.
Bankruptcy proceedings were opened at the regional court in March 2024. At the first audit meeting at the end of April, the court recognized claims amounting to 47 million euros, with creditors asserting 2 billion euros in claims. A subsequent audit meeting at the end of September did not result in any significant changes to the total. According to observers, the bankruptcy proceedings will take “many years.”
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### Interview: Insights into the Benko Asset Search
**Host:** Welcome to today’s segment. We’re joined by legal expert, Dr. Martina Peschorn, who has been closely following the complex case surrounding the Benko assets and the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Peschorn.
**Dr. Peschorn:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s dive in. Recent reports indicate that there are concerns regarding the commitment to uncovering the Benko assets. Can you elaborate on what these concerns entail?
**Dr. Peschorn:** Absolutely. The “Tiroler Tageszeitung” highlighted a perceived lack of necessary commitment in the search for the Benko assets. The criticism mostly revolves around the notion that not enough progress is being made on the criminal side of the investigation. This complexity requires extensive manpower and expertise, which has led us to request the court for a special asset manager. This role is crucial for clarifying past events and ensuring greater satisfaction for the creditors involved.
**Host:** Right, and it seems there’s a bit of disagreement about this. Andreas Grabenweger, the liquidator in charge, believes his team is well-positioned and disputes these allegations. What’s your take on his stance?
**Dr. Peschorn:** Grabenweger’s response points to a fundamental disagreement about the approach and resources allocated to this case. He insists that his team is adequately equipped to handle the challenges presented by Benko’s insolvency. However, I believe that the call for a special asset manager stems from valid concerns and a desire for thoroughness in what is a highly intricate situation.
**Host:** Speaking of intricacies, the bankruptcy proceedings themselves seem monumental. Can you provide a brief overview of where things stand?
**Dr. Peschorn:** Certainly. The bankruptcy proceedings opened in March 2024, and the first audit meeting acknowledged claims totaling around 47 million euros against a staggering 2 billion euros asserted by creditors. A follow-up meeting in September didn’t yield significant changes, indicating that the complexity of this case is far from resolved and requires ongoing scrutiny.
**Host:** It sounds like there’s a long road ahead. What do you believe will be the next steps for all parties involved?
**Dr. Peschorn:** The immediate next steps will likely involve further investigation into Benko’s assets and more discussions in court regarding the appointment of a special administrator. This is vital to progress toward resolving claims and ultimately aiding creditors in their pursuit of justice and reimbursement.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Peschorn, for your insightful analysis on this complex case. We appreciate your time today.
**Dr. Peschorn:** Thank you for having me.
T the need for a special asset manager confirms that more robust measures might be necessary to ensure effective resolution of the case. It’s not unusual to seek additional support for such complex financial situations, and it would be prudent to take every step possible to protect the interests of all creditors involved.
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**Host:** That makes sense. Can you explain what the appointment of a special asset manager would entail for the proceedings?
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**Dr. Peschorn:** Certainly. A special asset manager would be tasked with investigating the assets linked to Benko and facilitating their recovery. This type of role is vital for conducting a thorough examination of the financial intricacies involved. The goal is to ensure that any hidden assets are identified and that creditors can recover as much as possible from the insolvency process. This could also bring about more transparency regarding the status of the case.
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**Host:** The ongoing bankruptcy proceedings have also garnered attention, especially with claims exceeding €2 billion against recognized claims of only €47 million. What implications does this have for the creditors?
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**Dr. Peschorn:** The gap between claims and recognized amounts is significant and suggests that this process may be protracted. Creditors should brace themselves for an extended wait as the complexities of Benko’s financial situation are unraveled. It may take years before any substantial resolutions are reached, which can be incredibly frustrating for those relying on these proceedings to recover their investments.
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**Host:** Lastly, what do you foresee as the next steps in this prolonged proceedings?
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**Dr. Peschorn:** The focus will likely remain on uncovering any additional assets under Benko’s name while navigating the existing claims from the creditors. The role of the court and potential appointment of a special asset manager will be pivotal. Observers will also keep a close eye on how Grabenweger’s team responds to the calls for greater transparency. It’s a fluid situation, but I believe that persistence is key in such intricate bankruptcy cases.
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**Host:** Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Peschorn. Your expertise is invaluable in understanding this complex case.
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**Dr. Peschorn:** Thank you for having me!
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**Host:** This concludes our segment on the Benko case. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
