Investigation Against Dornauer Concluded Following Controversial Hunting Trip

In a significant development, the investigation concerning Georg Dornauer, the former deputy governor and leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) in Tyrol, has been officially closed. The inquiry was sparked by a controversial photograph of Dornauer during a hunting trip in Styria, where he was seen with René Benko, a billionaire involved in bankruptcy proceedings. The photo, which Dornauer claimed was not intended for public release, was published by a local media outlet, prompting widespread criticism and political fallout.

The political ramifications of the hunting trip were immediate and severe for Dornauer. His association with Benko, who had come under scrutiny from the SPÖ in a parliamentary investigation in 2024, led to intense backlash within his party, ultimately forcing him to resign from his prominent positions.

Additionally, there was a legal dimension to the case, particularly concerning an existing firearms ban against Dornauer. This prohibition stemmed from a previous incident where he had improperly stored a firearm. Authorities suspected that Dornauer may have participated in the hunting activity beyond merely being a spectator, which led to investigations regarding potential violations of gun laws.

However, recent findings from the Innsbruck public prosecutor's office indicated that the deer featured in the photograph was not killed by either Benko or Dornauer. A professional hunter who served as the guide for the trip corroborated this information, affirming that the hunting guest was not the one who claimed the kill. Benko had also stated that he was only present for the photograph.

The conclusion drawn by the legal authorities was that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Dornauer had used a firearm or breached his firearms prohibition. Dornauer's attorney expressed relief, noting that his client had consistently cooperated with the investigation, which ultimately demonstrated that no criminal act had occurred.

This development marks a pivotal moment for Dornauer, who has faced significant challenges in light of this incident. The closure of the investigation allows him to move forward, albeit with the political consequences of his actions still lingering in the aftermath of this controversy.