Upper Austria citizenship probe expands to 11 suspected cases

The investigation into suspected illegal grants of Austrian citizenship by the Upper Austrian state government has expanded from four known cases to 11, ORF reported. Deputy Governor Manfred Haimbuchner told the state parliament on Thursday that all the cases concern the same former state employee, who is under investigation by the Linz public prosecutor’s office.

Haimbuchner was responding to a question from Green Party lawmaker Ines Vukajlovic about new findings in the affair. In most cases, authorities suspect files were given preferential treatment for improper reasons and key procedural steps were not followed. The cases involve people from the former Yugoslavia, he said.

At least one citizenship was confirmed to have been granted. It remains unclear whether citizenship was also granted in the other cases. The former employee no longer works for the state.

After the first cases emerged in June, Upper Austria said it would strengthen checks on citizenship procedures. All employees in the relevant department must also complete anti-corruption training.

Austrian citizenship can be acquired by birth or through naturalisation. A grant usually requires 10 years of lawful residence, German-language skills and a secure livelihood. State authorities handle applications.