Police arrest 19-year-old over alleged fraud involving phones and car

A 19-year-old from the Feldkirchen district has been arrested on suspicion of defrauding mobile phone providers, a bank and a car dealer, ORF reports. He was taken to Klagenfurt prison.

Investigators suspect that between July and September 2026, he used forged company register extracts to pose as the managing director of various companies. He allegedly obtained at least 15 high-end mobile phones from several providers, causing losses of several thousand euros. He is also suspected of offering at least one phone for sale online and keeping the buyer’s payment without sending the device.

The man, who has a previous conviction for similar offences, was conditionally released from prison in June 2026, according to the report.

He is also suspected of sending a bank forged payslips belonging to his partner and forging signatures on a leasing contract. Investigators say this led a car dealer in Klagenfurt to hand over a car. The vehicle was allegedly registered without his partner’s knowledge, and no payments were made to the bank. The amount of the resulting loss is not yet known.

The car was seized and returned to the dealer. The 19-year-old was arrested at his apartment under a warrant.