The trial against ex-ÖVP family minister Sophie Karmasin and a co-accused department head in the Ministry of Sports will continue tomorrow at the Vienna Regional Court. Karmasin is accused of serious fraud and anti-competitive measures. This negotiation is not yet about her role in the ÖVP survey affair. Pollinator Sabine Beinschab, among others, has been invited as a witness.
After leaving politics, Karmasin is said to have unlawfully obtained continued payments by concealing from employees of the Federal Chancellery that she would continue to work independently after her term as Minister for Family Affairs. Incriminated are 78,589.95 euros.
The second complex of charges relates to three studies for the Ministry of Sports, for which Karmasin was awarded the contract after leaving politics by, according to the indictment, by getting two competitors – including her former employee Beinschab – to “conduct content that was specified by her and agreed with her in advance Submitting offers to the clients to ensure that Karmasin Research & Identity GmbH, which is attributable to them, would receive the orders” (indictment).
In this context, the proceedings against Beinschab were dropped and she was granted leniency witness status by the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (WKStA). The procedure against the second pollster was settled diversionally, according to the WKStA she has already rendered charitable services.
