Acid burglaries in Vienna: two more arrests

Background to the investigation

According to the security authorities, those arrested are men from Georgia who are believed to belong to the group responsible for the burglary series. The group is said to have been active in several districts of Vienna for some time.

The series of acid burglaries caused considerable unease among the public in recent months. Residents reported traces of corrosive substances on door locks and frames, pointing to the perpetrators’ method.

Police once again called on victims and witnesses to report any suspicious observations. Information from the public is of great importance in solving the series, the Vienna State Criminal Investigation Office said.

Cross-border cooperation

According to the authorities, the investigation also extends to possible links to similar incidents in neighboring countries. In particular, comparable cases were registered in Slovakia and in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, and are now being included in the evaluation.

In recent weeks, the Operational Unit for Combating Street Crime had increased its surveillance efforts to track down the group’s members. The identification of the two suspects is considered a significant investigative success, with further steps expected to follow.

The security forces announced that the investigation would continue even after the latest arrests. The aim is to uncover the perpetrators’ entire network and identify any other individuals involved.

Appeal to the public

At the same time, the authorities appealed to the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious persons or vehicles near residential buildings to the police. Preventive measures such as improved lighting and secure door locks provide additional protection.

The legal basis for the arrests is cooperation between the Austrian authorities and international partners. The surrender and transfer of the suspects were coordinated between the responsible agencies.

Following their arrest, the two suspects are being held in police custody. The responsible public prosecutor’s offices will decide on possible grounds for detention and further legal steps.

The investigators expect that solving the burglary series will take some time. Analysis of the traces and evidence secured at the scene is currently underway at full speed.