Ein Ermittlungsverfahren wird von Amts wegen oder aufgrund einer Anzeige<\/strong> eingeleitet. Eine Anzeige kann vom Gesch\u00e4digten selbst oder von jeder Person erstattet werden, die Kenntnis von einer Straftat hat. Zust\u00e4ndig f\u00fcr das Ermittlungsverfahren sind insbesondere Polizei und Staatsanwaltschaft. In gewissen F\u00e4llen kann auch eine Zust\u00e4ndigkeit der Zentralen Staatsanwaltschaft zur Verfolgung von Wirtschaftsstrafsachen und Korruption (WKStA)<\/em> begr\u00fcndet sein \u2013 vgl \u00a7 20a StPO<\/a>. Bei Offizialdelikten <\/strong>wie Betrug ist die Strafverfolgung nicht vom Willen des Anzeigers abh\u00e4ngig, eine einmal erstattete Anzeige kann nicht zur\u00fcckgezogen werden.<\/p>\n\n Upon receipt of a report, the police generally investigate the facts and secure evidence. The results are forwarded to the public prosecutor, who decides on the further course of action. A prerequisite for conducting an investigation is the existence of an initial suspicion<\/strong>, meaning specific and verifiable indications that a criminal offence may have been committed. <\/p>\n\n Das Ermittlungsverfahren kann in einer Anklage<\/strong>, einer Einstellung des Verfahrens<\/strong> oder in einem R\u00fccktritt von der Verfolgung<\/strong> (sogenannte Diversion<\/a>) enden. Fehlen bereits zu Beginn ausreichende Anhaltspunkte, wird von der Einleitung eines Ermittlungsverfahrens grunds\u00e4tzlich abgesehen.<\/p>\n\n Austrian criminal law<\/a> fundamentally distinguishes between three types of fraud<\/strong>, which differ primarily in terms of the amount of damage, the method of commission, and the severity of the offence.<\/p>\n\n Beim Grundtatbestand des Betrugs nach \u00a7 146 StGB<\/a><\/strong> (sog \u201eeinfacher\u201c Betrug) t\u00e4uscht der T\u00e4ter \u00fcber Tatsachen, erregt dadurch einen Irrtum <\/strong>und verursacht einen Verm\u00f6gensschaden. Charakteristisch ist, dass keine besonders erschwerenden Umst\u00e4nde<\/strong> (wie etwa eine gewisse Schadensh\u00f6he, Begehungsweise, o\u00c4) hinzutreten.<\/p>\n\n Example:<\/strong> \u201cSimple\u201d fraud<\/strong> is punishable by imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to 360 daily rates.<\/p>\n\n Der schwere Betrug nach \u00a7 147 StGB<\/a><\/strong> ist eine Qualifikation des \u201eeinfachen Betrugs\u201c nach \u00a7 146 StGB. Er liegt vor, wenn zus\u00e4tzliche Umst\u00e4nde verwirklicht werden, die den Unrechtsgehalt der Tat erh\u00f6hen, insbesondere durch den Einsatz bestimmter T\u00e4uschungsmittel<\/strong> oder durch eine erh\u00f6hte Schadenssumme<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n Pursuant to section 147(1) StGB, a person commits aggravated fraud if, for the purpose of committing fraud, they use a forged or falsified document (document forgery<\/a>), a false, falsified or misappropriated cashless payment instrument, unlawfully obtained data from a cashless payment instrument, false or falsified data, other such evidence, or an inaccurate measuring device (evidence fraud), or if they falsely present themselves as a public official.<\/p>\n\n Also covered is fraud involving more than minor damage where deception concerns the use of prohibited substances or methods for the purpose of doping in sport (section 147(1a) StGB \u2013 doping fraud<\/strong>). In these cases, the penalty is imprisonment of up to three years. <\/p>\n\n Example:<\/strong> Another case of aggravated fraud exists under \u00a7 147 para. 2 StGB if the damage caused by the offence exceeds \u20ac5,000<\/strong>. If the damage exceeds \u20ac300,000, a particularly severe qualification applies under \u00a7 147 para. 3 StGB, which is punishable by imprisonment of one to ten years. <\/p>\n\n Gewerbsm\u00e4\u00dfiger Betrug nach \u00a7 148 StGB<\/a><\/strong> liegt vor, wenn der T\u00e4ter Betrugshandlungen in der Absicht begeht, sich durch deren wiederholte Begehung \u00fcber l\u00e4ngere Zeit hindurch ein nicht blo\u00df geringf\u00fcgiges fortlaufendes Einkommen zu verschaffen (Gewerbsm\u00e4\u00dfigkeit ist in \u00a7\u00a070\u00a0StGB<\/a> definiert). Ma\u00dfgeblich ist dabei eine j\u00e4hrliche Durchschnittsbetrachtung: Von einer relevanten Einnahmequelle geht das Gesetz aus, wenn das erzielte Einkommen im Durchschnitt monatlich 400 Euro \u00fcbersteigt<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n Anyone who commits fraud on a commercial basis is punishable by imprisonment of up to three years<\/strong>. If, however, aggravated fraud under \u00a7 147 paras. 1 to 2 StGB is committed on a commercial basis, the law provides for imprisonment of six months to five years. <\/p>\n\n Example:<\/strong> Depending on the severity and seriousness of the allegation, law enforcement authorities can employ investigative and coercive measures of varying intensity. These range from searches of premises and objects<\/strong> (so-called house searches), to seizures and confiscations (e.g., of evidence or assets), and even to the monitoring of telecommunications. In particularly serious cases, arrests may also be considered. The specific measures applied in a given case largely depend on the gravity of the allegation<\/strong> and the behavior of the accused<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n Investigative measures serve in particular to secure evidence, to clarify the facts and the legal situation, and to safeguard financial claims<\/strong> (such as confiscation or civil claims by private parties). Especially in fraud proceedings, investigative measures are often complex and extensive. For each of these measures, statutory provisions exist that govern their requirements and admissibility. <\/p>\n\n If these requirements are not met, the underlying orders and warrants may be challenged, which may result in evidence being declared inadmissible in subsequent proceedings. As the outcome of proceedings frequently depends substantially on such measures and the evidence obtained, prompt legal review and decisive action by a criminal defence lawyer are of significant and lasting importance. Since the outcome of the proceedings often depends significantly on such investigative measures and the evidence obtained from them, prompt legal review<\/strong> and professional intervention by a criminal defense attorney are of critical and lasting importance.<\/p>\n\n When a fraud allegation<\/strong> is raised, it is crucial to involve a criminal defense attorney specializing in property and white-collar crime<\/a> at an early stage<\/em>. Key foundations for the further course of the proceedings are established already during the investigation, and their effects are often difficult to correct later. In view of the potential consequences (such as imprisonment of up to 10 years, ancillary effects like business prohibitions, disqualification of company directors<\/strong>, and more) a professional and carefully considered defense<\/em> is essential. <\/p>\n\n As criminal defense attorneys, we first obtain a prompt overview of the specific allegation<\/strong> and the underlying suspicion, review the case files, and then discuss the relevant factual and legal situation with our clients in a confidential setting. At the same time, we handle communication with the prosecuting authorities<\/strong> and serve as the central point of contact for all parties involved in the proceedings. <\/p>\n\n Based on the specifics of each individual case, we develop a tailored defense strategy<\/strong> that, in particular, allows the fraud allegation to be assessed objectively and enables our clients to exercise their procedural rights effectively and purposefully.<\/p>\n\n Early criminal defence<\/a> makes it possible to guide proceedings in a controlled and focused manner<\/strong> from the outset and is of fundamental importance for achieving a favourable outcome. <\/p>\n\nContact us<\/a>\n\nWhat types of fraud are recognised under the Austrian Criminal Code (StGB)?<\/h2>\n\n
Fraud (\u00a7 146 StGB)<\/h3>\n\n
Aggravated Fraud (\u00a7 147 StGB) <\/h3>\n\n
Commercial Fraud (\u00a7 148 StGB) <\/h3>\n\n
What investigative measures can be expected in cases of fraud allegations? <\/h2>\n\n
![\"Strafverteidigung](\"https:\/\/mpw-rechtsanwaelte.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MPW-Bild-3-neu-1024x682.jpg\" "\\"Strafverteidigung")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy is early criminal defense crucial in cases of fraud allegations?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
FAQ \u2013 Frequently Asked Questions on Criminal Defence in Fraud Cases<\/h2>\n