Austrian Authorities Investigate Ainsworth CEO in Corruption Case
Ainsworth Game Technology has confirmed that its CEO Harald Neumann has been under investigation by Austrian anti-corruption authorities in connection with the long-running “Ibiza affair,” a political scandal that continues to cast shadows over prominent figures in Austria’s business and political elite.
Investigation Tied to Time at Novomatic
The probe, led by Austria’s Economic and Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (WKStA), focused on Neumann’s tenure at Novomatic, one of Europe’s largest gambling technology companies. The investigation placed Neumann among a group of individuals scrutinised for potential involvement in the scandal, which centres on covertly recorded footage showing political figures allegedly offering public contracts in exchange for media influence.
Novomatic, a key shareholder in Ainsworth and a recent bidder for full control of the company, has also faced separate investigations linked to the same scandal.
While reports of the investigation emerged publicly last week, Ainsworth formally acknowledged the situation on 16 June, stating that the company had received updates from WKStA regarding the status of the case.
Most Investigations Dropped, One Still Pending
According to Ainsworth’s statement, the bulk of the investigations into both Neumann and Novomatic have now been discontinued, following clearance from Austrian regulatory authorities. Only one strand of the inquiry remains open.
“Based on information from WKStA, we are advised that all (except for one) of the investigations involving Mr. Neumann and/or Novomatic AG have been discontinued with the necessary approvals being received from the relevant Austrian regulatory authorities with no findings of wrongdoing,” the company said.
“Current information available on the one remaining investigation indicates that WKStA will finalise its examination on the established facts prior to submitting its proposal to the necessary Austrian regulatory authorities for approval to have this last investigation discontinued.”
Why Ainsworth Chose Not to Inform Shareholders
The Australian-listed slot supplier defended its earlier silence on the matter, stating that it had relied on legal advice to determine that the probe was still preliminary and not concrete enough to disclose publicly. It stressed that the issue had been reported to all relevant regulators at the time and that oversight continues via the company’s Regulatory Compliance Committee.
Ainsworth noted: “Following a probity investigation conducted by the Compliance Division, the RCC recommended that Mr Neumann was suitable from a regulatory standpoint, to be considered for the CEO position.”
The company also highlighted that Neumann currently holds regulatory approval in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. “Mr Neumann is licensed and has been found suitable in over 100 jurisdictions where licensure is required, with full knowledge of the investigations,” Ainsworth added.
The Ibiza affair, originally surfacing in 2019, has had wide-ranging implications for Austria’s political and business sectors. The scandal prompted the collapse of the Austrian coalition government and opened multiple investigative threads targeting public figures and private sector executives.