The Vienna Regional Court is hearing an unusual case on Thursday, in which a father is accused of persuading his 14-year-old son and his 16-year-old friend to commit a series of armed robberies.

The 34-year-old is also alleged to have provided weapons and balaclavas, as well as driving the getaway vehicle.

According to the prosecution, the two teenagers are believed to have robbed five tobacconists and two petrol stations between 18 March and 19 April 2024, before being arrested.

In addition to the direct perpetrators, the father now faces a jury trial as the alleged instigator. The indictment claims he “encouraged the two youths to commit the crimes due to his own precarious financial situation,” supplying them with pistols, ammunition, and balaclavas, and driving the getaway car.

He is also said to have given the boys various pieces of advice, such as watching the employees’ hands to ensure they did not press any alarm buttons. The dates of the robberies were allegedly agreed upon during WhatsApp video calls.