Probe targets Linz police chief over Bezos lookalike event

Prosecutors are investigating Linz police chief Klaus Hübner after a complaint alleged abuse of office over police involvement at a company event featuring a Jeff Bezos lookalike, ORF reported. The Linz prosecutor’s office confirmed it had received the complaint; the case is being handled by prosecutors in Salzburg.

The event was held in September by Haidlmair in Micheldorf, in the Kirchdorf district. A man dressed as Amazon founder Bezos arrived by helicopter and was accompanied by heavily armed officers from Upper Austria’s Rapid Intervention Group. Videos of the appearance later circulated on social media.

Upper Austria police and Haidlmair said those involved knew the man was not the real Bezos. The company said the appearance was intended as a joke and was revealed as such on stage.

The Linz prosecutor’s office forwarded the complaint to Salzburg to ensure an independent review. Salzburg prosecutors confirmed they had taken over the case but gave no further details.

Upper Austria’s state police directorate is also reviewing the deployment, with the Federal Bureau of Anti-Corruption involved. The review includes examining the basis for sending the officers to a private company event and how the cost of the deployment should be charged.

Haidlmair said it had offered to cover the police costs, but had not yet received an invoice. The performer appears to have been booked through a German agency, which advertises him as a Bezos lookalike for events.