Investigator, or clandestine narcotics peddler?
In May 2019, a video trap set by Julian Hessenthaler, the self-proclaimed "Ibiza detective," shook Austria's political landscape. Hidden cameras captured then Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache discussing questionable and corrupt activities, but no investigations were initiated. Frustrated, Hessenthaler created the video trap.
At the time, Hessenthaler was working as a security consultant. He used a luxurious villa, numerous energy drinks, and a supposed Russian oligarch's niece as a decoy to ensnare Strache. The recordings showed Strache discussing the potential takeover of the Kronen Zeitung with Russian money and the dismissal of some unwanted journalists.
The emergence of these recordings led to a government crisis, new elections, and a debate about political hygiene in Austria. However, Hessenthaler's crusade for transparency did not end there. He approached Der Spiegel and Süddeutsche Zeitung, believing more could be achieved there.
Four months later, Hessenthaler was extradited to Austria and put on trial. In 2022, he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. Hessenthaler believes his verdict is politically motivated. He appealed to the Supreme Court and later to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) for a fair trial.
In December 2020, Hessenthaler was arrested in Berlin for dealing with over a kilogram of cocaine and forgery. This incident did not deter him from his mission. He continues to strive to make misconduct transparent and inform the public about it.
Hessenthaler initially attempted to pass the videos to FPO's competitors, but they found the recordings and their origin too sensitive. Despite this setback, Hessenthaler wanted to ensure "a visual and irrefutable documentation" with his video trap.
State authorities had "consciously turned a blind eye," according to Hessenthaler. The video trap was not based on crimes that were completely independent of the Ibiza affair. Hessenthaler's conviction was based on these independent crimes.
In December 2023, the ECtHR found "no indications of political motivation in the criminal prosecution." Hessenthaler served his sentence and was free since April 2023. Despite the legal hurdles he faced, Hessenthaler remains a symbol of whistleblowing and transparency in Austria. He continues to work with the organization "Whistleblower" and is still known for his role in the Ibiza affair.
