Vienna 'Fire Devil 1040' Gang Sentenced for 18 Arsons

Consequences and Sentencing

The arsons caused significant damage, with one incident alone resulting in 120,000 euros worth of destruction. Several residents suffered smoke inhalation, and in one particularly dangerous case, the group placed a burning trash container near a main gas line. The total damage across all incidents amounted to several hundred thousand euros.

The younger defendant received a 24-month sentence with 8 months unconditional, while a third woman who acted as lookout was given 30 months with 1 month unconditional. All three were ordered to undergo psychotherapy and psychiatric treatment. The two main defendants have been in pretrial detention since early December 2025, though the sentences are not yet final as prosecutors consider the verdicts.

Psychological and Social Factors

Defense attorney Lukas Hruby, representing the two main defendants, stated the women had "nach Aufmerksamkeit und Anerkennung gesucht" and that their relationship wasn't accepted by their families. "Es war ein Zeichen, dass sie gesehen werden," Hruby said of their actions.

The third defendant, who has autism, participated because she wanted to belong, telling the court: "weil ich dazugehören wollte." The younger defendant admitted they hadn't considered the potential deadly consequences, stating: "Ich habe nicht nachgedacht. Es war mir nicht bewusst, dass jemand sterben kann. Es war alles dumm und unüberlegt."

The women compared themselves to infamous criminals, stating they wanted to be famous "wie Jack the Ripper, nur ohne Leichen." Their crimes ended after their final arson on November 29, 2025, followed by arrest in early December.