Former Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) chief Harald Mahrer is facing scrutiny after admitting he supported investor Michael Fritsch in a deal surrounding the now-failed startup Gropyus. Mahrer, who championed Gropyus during his time as WKO head, now publicly labels Fritsch a “fraudster.” The startup, once valued at 400 million euros, ultimately collapsed. Mahrer’s past support for Fritsch and Gropyus, coupled with his current denouncement of the investor, has created a political controversy. This revelation raises questions about due diligence and the vetting processes surrounding investments promoted during Mahrer’s leadership. The situation has prompted criticism and further investigation into the circumstances of Gropyus's rise and fall. The fallout from this case is likely to continue as details emerge.