ÃBB Train Driver Under Inquiry for Alleged Sexual Assaults of Minors
A Vienna public prosecutorâs office investigation has been launched into an ÃBB (austrian Federal Railways) train driver accused of sexual assaults on at least six underage boys between 2003 and 2021. Teh allegations center on offenses ranging from sexual harassment to abuse of authority, with authorities currently finding no evidence of violence or coercion.
The investigation currently focuses on six individuals affected by the alleged misconduct, who were between 14 and 17 years old during the period spanning nearly two decades. âAssaults are examined where, due to the age of the victims, it must also be clarified which offenses are considered based on the legal situation at the time,â a spokesperson for the prosecutorâs office stated.
Currently, investigators have no indication that any sexual acts involved violence or threats. âThose affected have not yet described any acts of violence,â the spokesperson explained in an interview Monday. As an inevitable result, prosecutors do not presently believe cases of rape or sexual assault occurred, though investigations remain ongoing. The current focus includes allegations of sexual harassment, violations of sexual self-determination, and the exploitation of a position of authority.
The prosecutorâs office emphasized the extensive nature of the investigation, noting that legal assessments are subject to change as new details emerges. The inquiry began this summer following a complaint filed by a now-adult victim detailing attacks experienced during his teenage years. According to reports, at least six additional alleged victims have signaled their willingness to testify.
Did you know? â The investigation covers alleged offenses spanning nearly two decades, from 2003 to 2021. The focus is on sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and violations of sexual self-determination. Authorities are still gathering evidence.
ÃBB management stated they were first informed of the suspicion in spring 2025 and had no prior knowledge of any abuse allegations. âImmediately after management became aware of this, they began to work through the matter and take legal action,â according to a company release. The train driver has been immediately suspended from duty,and dismissal proceedings have been initiated.
Initial findings suggest the alleged encounters did not occur during the train driverâs professional capacity. Investigations by the APA news agency indicate the man met the individuals outside of work, through a shared interest in railways. ÃBB declined to comment on how the driver was able to establish relationships with minors over such an extended period, or whether any clubs or organizations were involved, citing the ongoing criminal investigation. âAs thes are criminally relevant matters, the investigations are being carried out by the responsible investigative authorities and therefore no information can be provided,â a company representative stated.
Pro tip: â The train driver has been suspended and faces dismissal. The alleged encounters happened outside of work, through a shared interest in railways. ÃBB is cooperating with the State Criminal Police Office.
However, ÃBB affirmed its commitment to resolving the case, stating it is working closely with the State Criminal Police Office (Like) Vienna.
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