Presse: As part of the “Safe Vienna” (Sicheres Wien) initiative, the “Immediate Response Group” (Gruppe Sofortmaßnahmen)—in collaboration with the Vienna Police Department’s (LPD) standby unit, the Financial Police (part of the Anti-Fraud Office), the Vienna City Gardens Department (MA 42), the “Waste Watchers” of the Waste Management Department (MA 48), and the Market Authority (MA 59)—conducted inspections throughout the city of Vienna yesterday, Sunday. These operations included checks on grocery stores and other businesses, as well as assessments of cleanliness and hygiene in Vienna’s parks and public spaces. A particular focus was placed on compliance with the legal requirements set out in the Shop Hours Act.
Following a suspicion by the Financial Police regarding the illegal operation of a beauty clinic in Vienna’s Mariahilf district, they requested assistance from the Immediate Response Group to conduct an investigation. During a search of a rented short-term accommodation—authorized by the Public Prosecutor’s Office—it was discovered that two women were performing illegal cosmetic procedures that require formal medical authorization. On-site, authorities seized items including syringes, substances such as Botox and hyaluronic acid, prescription painkillers, and several thousand euros in cash. Furthermore, numerous used syringes and pads were discovered. The substances found were confiscated. The two operators were taken into police custody for further questioning, with potential charges including violations of immigration and residency laws.
In total, 24 establishments were inspected. The municipal authorities filed 29 formal complaints, covering issues such as violations of the Shop Hours Act, unauthorized commercial activity, and breaches of the Trade Regulation Act. The Vienna Police Department (LPD) filed six additional complaints, involving offenses such as the unauthorized practice of medicine, drug-related violations, and breaches of the Aliens Police Act. In total, 5 individuals were taken into temporary custody as part of this targeted enforcement operation.
“Medical treatments performed without the necessary authorization pose significant health risks. The fact that we have now uncovered an eleventh illegal clinic highlights the importance of our ongoing inspections—which also take place on Sundays and public holidays. It is equally important to verify compliance with legally mandated operating hours, ensuring fair competition among businesses in our city,” says Walter Hillerer, head of the Rapid Response Unit.
Prophetic Link:
“There are many, even of those engaged in this movement for Sunday enforcement, who are blinded to the results which will follow this action. They do not see that they are striking directly against religious liberty. There are many who have never understood the claims of the Bible Sabbath, and the false foundation upon which the Sunday institution rests.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, page 711.
This article was translated from German.