The German, known from reality TV formats, is accused of breach of trust and embezzlement. The allegations are related to Grill Heaven GmbH, based in Vösendorf (Mödling district), whose managing director was Töpperwien, a spokesman for the regional court confirmed on Wednesday when asked regarding corresponding media reports.
More than 8,000 euros in damage
The charges relate to autumn 2021. Töpperwien is said to have used the GmbH’s funds for private purposes – among other things, he is said to have made payments with the company card or charged the company for online orders. In addition, the 50-year-old is said to have outsourced social media activities that were supposedly covered by his employment contract to an external party, and the GmbH was supposed to pay for them. The damage here was stated to be 7,700 euros. In addition, the defendant is said to have embezzled items belonging to the GmbH, including knives and barbecue spices. According to the court, the damage here amounts to just over 1,000 euros.
European Arrest Warrant
Töpperwien was arrested in Germany on the basis of a European arrest warrant and extradited to Austria. He was released from custody on less severe terms. Among other things, the German man’s passport was confiscated. If convicted in a single judge hearing, he might face up to three years in prison.