A Romanian man is accused in Austria of fraud in the purchase of cars, with total estimated damages of 12,000 euros

A 40-year-old Romanian man is accused in Austria of fraud involving the purchase of vehicles, with total damages estimated at €12,000. The suspect allegedly operated in Lower Austria, Vienna, Tyrol and Carinthia, together with a 29-year-old accomplice.

The case began in February, when the two allegedly went to a seller in Hausleiten, in the Korneuburg district, to buy a car. The Romanian allegedly paid a €2,000 deposit on the spot, but later cut off contact with the owner and did not pay the remaining €7,000.

According to Austrian police, the suspects allegedly used fake identity documents and license plates that had been reported stolen in the Czech Republic in 2011. The 40-year-old man is also suspected of involvement in the theft of two cars, as well as in a document forgery case in Carinthia.

He was arrested by German authorities on August 12, on the basis of a European arrest warrant, and was subsequently extradited to Austria. After being temporarily held at Vienna-Josefstadt prison, the suspect was released on bail. His accomplice was charged.