Nathalie Benko has reportedly decided to end her marriage to René Benko, who has been held in pre-trial detention since January 2025 amid serious allegations surrounding his business dealings. The couple, married since 2010, shares three children. According to reports from oe24, she is taking this drastic step after enduring significant turmoil due to her husband's legal problems.
René Benko, the founder of the troubled real estate and trading group Signa, has been facing serious accusations, including forging invoices and attempting to conceal assets from creditors and authorities. His situation worsened with the news of his wife’s divorce filing, amid increasing pressure from creditors who are demanding €2.4 billion. This amount, as reported, is tied to multiple insolvency proceedings against Benko’s companies across Austria, Germany, Italy, and Liechtenstein.
Currently detained at the Josefstadt prison, his legal troubles extend beyond his personal relationships. Authorities suspect him of trying to evade legal responsibilities associated with his debts, resulting from the sharp rise in interest rates and construction costs which led to the collapse of his business empire. The insolvency court has recognized only €47 million of the creditors' total demands so far.
Reports indicate Nathalie filed for divorce after 15 years of marriage, indicating her desire to sever ties with René and start anew. Sources close to her mention she aims to do what's best for her family, as she is left to care for their children during this tumultuous time. Nathalie has kept mostly out of the public eye since her husband’s legal issues surfaced, distancing herself from his business dealings, and claiming she had no involvement.
Adding to the complexity, Nathalie herself has now come under scrutiny. The Vienna Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office is reportedly investigating her for alleged money laundering tied to her efforts to open a trust account with two Tyrolean banks. These plans were related to selling property to the Laura Private Foundation, but banks flagged the transactions as suspicious, leading to their involvement with the Federal Criminal Police.
This troubling development saw the banks alerted by suspicions about potential money laundering, particularly concerning payments expected from Spain relating to property holdings. The serious accusations surrounding her husband could also have ramifications for Nathalie’s case; she’s reportedly aiming to distance her personal affairs from his extensive legal battles.
Legal representatives for René Benko have yet to comment publicly on the serious allegations or the familial disruptions now occurring. The complexity of their case appears to unravel as both personal and fiscal aspects intertwine, with potential ramifications for the entire Benko family.
Having been placed under investigation for multiple offenses—including suspected fraud, breach of trust, and bankruptcy—René Benko is facing significant legal hurdles. The authorities may hold him for up to two years as they continue their investigations, and if convicted, he could face up to ten years imprisonment.
For now, the financial uncertainties grow not just for René but also for Nathalie, as she navigates the situation of their pending divorce and the possibility of her own legal charge. The outcome of these investigations and the status of their marriage are being followed closely by media and public alike.
Public sentiments around their high-profile case continue to swirl, as many speculate about how these developments will influence the Benko family's future. The ramifications of this situation are bound to resonate far beyond their immediate circumstances, affecting many stakeholders and observers of this high-stakes legal drama.