Pre-trial detention requested for 72-year-old: Four-year-old abducted in Vienna apartment

The suspect was found in the same residential complex as the boy. After his arrest, he was transferred to a correctional facility. Investigators are now examining whether there are other locations or possible accomplices. No indications of a sexual motive were initially made public.

The suspect's silent silence

The authorities provided no further details about the suspect on Monday. According to a spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office, the man has so far refused to make any statement. The APA quoted: "Der Verdächtige selbst verweigerte bisher die Aussage."

According to investigators, the four-year-old was apparently housed in the man's apartment at least for a short period. The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office stated that pre-trial detention had been requested due to a risk of flight and risk of obstruction of justice. A judicial decision on the request is expected in the coming days.

Investigations and special commission

The Vienna Police have set up a special commission to reconstruct the course of the abduction. This includes interviewing neighbors, evaluating video footage from the building, and forensic traces in the suspect's apartment. Initial results are expected in the coming days.

The responsible municipal department for child and youth welfare has been involved to care for the boy and his family. The child is currently undergoing medical and psychological examination, the authority said. The parents of the four-year-old could not be reached for a statement on Monday.

Political reactions

Vienna's Deputy Mayor and City Councillor Nina Bussek expressed shock at the incident on Monday. She thanked the informants whose quick tip had saved the boy. Vienna would support the investigation of the case with full resolve, Bussek announced.

Vienna Police President Markus Dittrich also confirmed the recovery of the child and thanked the informants. He spoke of an "important success" of the investigations and pointed to the rapid deployment of the alerted police patrols. The investigations were proceeding in all directions, Dittrich said.

The Vienna Police have set up a dedicated hotline for tips from the public that can help clarify the case. Tips can be given to the police at the telephone number 01 31310. The authorities also ask possible witnesses to contact the special commission.

The case once again raises questions about the safety of children in Viennese residential buildings. City Councillor Bussek announced a review of existing protection concepts. In addition, it will be examined how tips from the public can be forwarded to the responsible emergency services even more quickly in the future.

The public prosecutor's office emphasized that the investigations are only at the beginning. Further interviews and forensic-technical examinations are underway, it said. The authority did not want to provide any information at this time about the exact course of the abduction and the possible duration of the boy's stay in the apartment.