Ainsworth Game Technology (ASX: AGI) has confirmed that Austrian prosecutors have filed a demand for prosecution related to the Ainsworth Game Technology Austrian Investigation, bringing the final chapter of a 2019 probe to court proceedings. The matter involves former CEO Mr Neumann and/or Novomatic AG, the company’s largest shareholder.
This development concludes the last remaining investigation from the 2019 WKStA (Austrian Economic and Corruption Prosecutors Office) probe. AGT is notifying applicable regulators and will provide updates as required under continuous disclosure obligations.
Austrian prosecutor files prosecution demand against former Ainsworth CEO
The WKStA has filed a demand for prosecution in an Austrian court involving AGT’s former CEO, Mr Neumann, and/or Novomatic AG. This represents the final investigation from the probe that commenced in 2019.
AGT referenced its previous ASX release dated 16 June 2025, which indicated that one remaining investigation was anticipated to be discontinued. However, the investigation has instead been concluded with prosecutors filing for court proceedings.
The company stated it is premature to make further comment whilst the matter is subject to court process. AGT is currently notifying applicable regulators of this development and will keep the market informed as required under its continuous disclosure obligations.
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What is a demand for prosecution under Austrian law
A demand for prosecution represents a formal procedural step in the Austrian legal system where prosecutors believe sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. This filing indicates the WKStA has completed its investigation and determined there is a case to answer before the courts.
This is not a verdict or finding of guilt. The demand for prosecution simply means the matter will now move to court proceedings, where evidence will be examined and a judicial determination made. Under Austrian legal process, the court independently assesses whether to accept the prosecution demand and, if accepted, proceeds to trial.
For publicly listed companies, this procedural status means the matter enters a phase where commentary becomes restricted due to active court proceedings.
Timeline of the Austrian investigation
The progression of this investigation spans multiple years:
- 2019 – WKStA commences investigations involving former CEO Mr Neumann and/or Novomatic AG
- 16 June 2025 – AGT ASX release notes one remaining investigation expected to be discontinued
- 2 March 2026 – AGT confirms investigation concluded with prosecution demand filed in Austrian court
The timeline demonstrates this has been a multi-year process that has now transitioned from investigative phase to court proceedings. The previous expectation that the investigation would be discontinued has not materialised, with prosecutors instead opting to file for prosecution.
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What this means for Ainsworth shareholders
This matter involves the company’s former CEO, Mr Neumann, not current management. Novomatic AG, which is named in the prosecution demand, is AGT’s largest shareholder, creating an indirect connection to the company’s current shareholder structure.
AGT has made clear it will keep the market informed of developments as required under continuous disclosure obligations. The company is following proper regulatory notification procedures in response to this development.
Given the matter is now subject to court process, the timeline for resolution and any potential implications remain uncertain. Investors should note this relates to historical matters from 2019 rather than current operations or management actions.
The company has appropriately acknowledged it is premature to speculate on outcomes whilst court proceedings are underway. Shareholders will need to monitor future ASX releases for updates as the court process progresses.
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