The municipality of Hagenbrunn (Korneuburg district) has fallen victim to internet fraudsters. Nearly 300,000 euros were transferred to criminals during an elementary school construction project, as first reported by the “Falter.” The Korneuburg public prosecutor’s office is investigating charges of serious fraud and money laundering. The account holder has since been tracked down and is believed to be in Italy, according to a spokesperson from the prosecution office.

The construction company had received an email in mid-July 2024 from someone claiming to be “Sarah Solinger,” a supposed municipal employee, inquiring about outstanding invoices. The company replied that around 293,000 euros were still due. The fraudster then allegedly posed as “Christina Binder,” an employee of the contracted company. The municipality was then sent an invoice for the previously mentioned amount. The funds were transferred to an Italian account, rather than the intended local company. The prosecution has requested legal assistance to question the individual linked to the account.

According to ORF, it is still unclear who will bear the financial loss. “We have agreed with the construction company to await the investigation by the authorities,” Mayor Michael Oberschil (ÖVP) was quoted as saying.