A suspected case of credit card fraud uncovered a surprising stash of high-priced alcohol in Austria this week. On Tuesday, January 29, 2026, at 6:40 a.m., Salzburg police discovered hundreds of bottles of champagne and whiskey while investigating a report originating in Germany.
Alcohol Seized in Strobl Apartment
The investigation began with a complaint from a German resident who noticed unauthorized charges on their credit card. The card had been used to book accommodations in both Tyrol and Salzburg via an online platform, with a stay in Tyrol already completed and a Salzburg booking still active.
Acting on a tip from German investigators, police arrived at an apartment complex in Strobl (Flachgau) and encountered a 26-year-old man from Belarus. Two other men were present in the locked apartment, but they fled through a patio door upon seeing the officers.
A subsequent search revealed 218 bottles of high-quality spirits, including champagne and well-known whiskey brands. Authorities believe the alcohol was stolen.
Suspect Denies Involvement, Investigation Ongoing
The Belarusian man present at the scene claimed he had only met the other two individuals by chance and denied any involvement in the credit card fraud or theft. He is currently at large, pending further investigation, following orders from the Salzburg public prosecutor’s office.
The identities of the two men who fled remain unknown. Investigators are working to determine the origin of the alcohol and explore the potential international scope of the credit card fraud.
