WKStA investigations against founder Freidl apparently nearing completion

According to information obtained by our editorial team, the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA) is nearing completion of its investigation against Freidl and other individuals. This is expected to be finalised in summer 2025. The investigation has been delayed several times, partly due to renewed complaints. Most recently, another complaint has reportedly been filed against Freidl on suspicion of financial fraud. It is currently unclear whether this will lead to additional investigations.

He presents himself as a visionary entrepreneur and innovator in digital shopping: Hubert Freidl, founder of the myWorld Group and former head of the controversial Lyoness system. But behind the shiny façade, legal problems are apparently mounting.

Suspicion of hidden investor funds

There is also suspicion that investor funds may have been invested in so-called ‘clouds’ or allegedly moved. If a final conviction is handed down, affected investors could file so-called advisor liability lawsuits against those persons who recommended or brokered such passive income opportunities to them.

According to information obtained by our editorial team, various public prosecutors in Germany are also investigating Freidl and the myWorld structures. According to media reports, a lawsuit has already been admitted before the National High Court in Spain.

AfB report weighs heavily on Freidl

Particularly explosive: An internal report by the Austrian Anti-Fraud Office (AfB) dated 26 March 2025 weighs heavily on Freidl. According to the report, the entrepreneur allegedly failed to properly declare income from capital assets and monetary benefits on a significant scale in 2015, 2016 and 2021.

According to the report, the allegation that a contribution of capital shares in Lyoness Group AG in 2017 was merely a sham is particularly serious. This involves an alleged tax evasion of around 27.9 million euros for this year alone. Whether the allegations are true must be clarified in possible criminal proceedings.

Parallels to well-known cases

Some observers are already reminded of historical cases: the notorious US gangster Al Capone was ultimately convicted not for his various other crimes, but for tax evasion. Whether Freidl faces a similar fate remains to be seen.

According to information obtained by our editorial team, the Graz public prosecutor’s office is conducting proceedings under file number 16 ST 47/25 g.

No official statements on the ongoing investigations have been made so far.

Conclusion

Behind the big promises of the myWorld Group and Hubert Freidl’s opaque network of companies, the entire construct is increasingly coming under the scrutiny of the judiciary. It seems only a matter of time before it becomes clear how solid the allegations actually are. The coming weeks and months are likely to be decisive.

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The mention of companies, persons or projects is based on verifiable facts or clearly marked expressions of opinion. Publication is protected by freedom of the press; sources are subject to journalistic source protection.