Authorities conducted a search at the headquarters of Vienna's MA 35 immigration and citizenship office. Police targeted a female employee's office, seizing several items and her service device. The employee did not report for duty following the operation.
The investigation involves a suspected violation of Section 305 of the Criminal Code regarding the acceptance of advantages by a public official. This offense carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. The search was done in cooperation with the MA 35.
This probe follows years of criticism over MA 35 staff shortages and long wait times, which hit 57 months in some cases. With 1,200 complaints in 2021, the agency faces scrutiny as its budget is set at 81 million euros this year and 76 million for 2025.