Austrian authorities detain suspect in alleged blackmail plot targeting German baby food manufacturer HiPP
A 39-year-old man has been arrested in Burgenland following an investigation into an attempt to extort money from HiPP by contaminating baby food with rat poison.
Austrian police have detained a 39-year-old man in the state of Burgenland in connection with an alleged plot to blackmail the German baby food manufacturer HiPP. The investigation centres on accusations that the suspect attempted to contaminate jars of the brand's products with rat poison to extort funds from the company.
Authorities recovered five manipulated jars of baby food in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia before they could be consumed. The discovery of these items prompted a product recall in Austria, although the German product range remains unaffected. German police have joined the inquiry due to the origin of the manufacturer.
Investigators seized a jar containing 15 micrograms of rat poison from a Spar supermarket in Eisenstadt. The contaminated product, described as carrots with potatoes, weighed 190 grams. While the specific identity of the poison used has not been disclosed by officials, the presence of the substance confirms the intent to cause harm.
The blackmail attempt originated with an email sent to HiPP in March, demanding €2 million within six days. The company only became aware of the demand two weeks after the deadline had passed because the message was addressed to a group inbox that was not frequently monitored.
The suspect is currently being questioned by the Public Prosecutor's Office in Eisenstadt. A search is underway for a second potentially poisoned jar in Austria, though it remains unclear whether this item has been located or if it poses an immediate threat to public safety.
HiPP, a family-run enterprise founded over 120 years ago in Bavaria, operates its main production facility in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm. Its parent company, HiPP Holding AG, is based in Sachseln, Switzerland. The case highlights the cross-border nature of food safety investigations involving a German manufacturer and international distribution networks.
