In the case of an alleged large-scale occult fraud involving two self-proclaimed “shamans” known as “Amela” and “Anna,” Austria’s Office of the Prosecutor for Economic and Corruption Affairs (WKStA) filed extensive charges on Thursday against the younger woman and two suspected accomplices. The accused, identified as 29-year-old Dona D., is charged with aggravated commercial fraud and participation in a criminal organization.
According to the indictment, seen by APA, the total damages amount to at least €1.77 million. Cash, jewelry, and other valuables of that value were recovered by police from a safe and hidden spaces on a property in Maria Enzersdorf, a town in the district of Mödling. Authorities believe the seized items are the proceeds of the alleged fraud.
The primary suspect, 44-year-old Mariana M., aka “Amela” — the sister-in-law of “Anna” — remains at large and is currently being sought by police. “Anna” was arrested in February and has been held in pretrial detention in Vienna since then.
Fraud Dating Back to 2015
According to the charges, the fraud began in 2015 and continued for several years. Dona D. has three prior convictions for similar offenses. Operating mainly in Vienna, but also in Linz, Neusiedl am See, and Munich, “Anna” and “Amela” would approach mostly female victims in public, complimenting their “beautiful aura.” If the conversation continued, the two would identify themselves as shamans and claim the victim’s aura was imbalanced or cursed.
The pair warned of looming tragedies — the death of a daughter, a terminal illness in the family, or a dark energy circle. In one extreme case, a now-deceased woman was manipulated into handing over all her money and jewelry. The fraudsters claimed that unless a human sacrifice was made, and either animal blood consumed or “lifeless items” surrendered, her daughter would “lie in blood.”
They often claimed that cash or valuables needed to be “cleansed,” never to return them. Male victims were often tricked by portraying the scammers as destitute and in need of money for medical treatment or home repairs.
Fake Rituals and Intimidation
The scammers performed so-called rituals to support their spiritual claims. Victims were told to tie knots in red thread and pray, after which the knots appeared to “magically” vanish. They also used raw eggs, which they would crack open on the victims or their clothing to reveal a black spot — allegedly proof of a demon’s presence.
Victims were repeatedly pressured with phone calls and visits. In some cases, one “shaman” would claim the other had fallen into a coma due to the spiritual strain. In another instance, a woman was told her son was the “savior of the world,” and needed financial support. She handed over €30,000 in cash.
Two Male Accomplices Also Charged
The two co-defendants include a 29-year-old man, on whose property part of the stolen goods were hidden, and his 47-year-old father — the ex-husband of Mariana M. Both are accused of aiding the fraudsters and investing their illicit profits. They face charges of criminal conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering.
The indictment filed Thursday is not yet legally binding. The accused have 14 days to challenge the charges, which could lead to a review by the Higher Regional Court of Vienna. If not contested, a trial is expected this fall.
