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Austria Arrests Suspect in HiPP Baby-Food Extortion Case

Pending toxicology will dictate the severity of any charges.

Overview

  • Austrian police arrested a 39-year-old in Salzburg on Saturday after a 38-day search tied to poisoned HiPP baby-food jars.
  • Investigators say electronic traces from a fake email and supermarket video helped identify the suspect.
  • Authorities report six manipulated jars were placed in Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and five have been recovered while one remains missing; HiPP says its German range was not affected.
  • Forensic testing found 15 micrograms of rat poison in a seized 190 g jar of carrots with potatoes, and experts have yet to identify the toxin type or its likely health impact.
  • Prosecutors have requested pretrial detention as the suspect is questioned, and his lawyer says he denies involvement, cites a smartwatch alibi, and disputes links to rat poison police reportedly seized at his home.