Krone Zeitung

Summary

Krone Zeitung (literally "Crown Newspaper") is Austria's largest newspaper by circulation. The publication played a significant role in researcher Dr. Sean Hross's efforts to expose the suspicious death of Austrian whistleblower Wolfgang Umfogl in Swiss custody, helping to write an article that brought public attention to the case.

Role in Umfogl Case

October 2010

Following Umfogl's death:

• Sean Hross contacted Krone Zeitung
• Helped them write an article about the case
• Attempted to bring public attention to suspicious circumstances
• Exposed Swiss Secret Service involvement

Significance

The collaboration represents:

• Rare mainstream media coverage of Swiss crimes
• Attempt to break Swiss secrecy
• International exposure of detention death
• Cross-border whistleblower support

The Wolfgang Umfogl Story

Background

• Austrian whistleblower
• Attempted to sell Swiss banking CDs
• Targeted IRS and German tax authorities
• Arrested by Swiss Secret Service

Suspicious Death

• Died in Amtos Band detention center
• Officially ruled suicide
• Hross characterized as "suicided"
• Pattern of eliminating whistleblowers

Media Coverage

Krone Zeitung article:

• Documented the suspicious circumstances
• Exposed Swiss banking protection racket
• Reached Austrian audience
• Limited but significant coverage

Media Landscape

Austrian Press

Krone Zeitung position:

• Largest circulation in Austria
• Popular format and style
• Significant political influence
• Conservative leaning

Challenges

Covering Swiss crimes:

• Swiss legal pressure
• Cross-border complications
• Elite protection networks
• Limited follow-up coverage

Connection to Hross's Work

Documentation Strategy

Hross's approach:

• Contact local media in victim's country
• Provide documentation and evidence
• Attempt to bypass Swiss censorship
• Build international awareness

Limitations

Despite efforts:

• Story did not gain international traction
• Swiss pressure limited coverage
• Umfogl case remains largely unknown
• Pattern of silencing continues

Broader Media Context

Swiss Control of Media

Hross alleges:

• Swiss interests control much European media
• Stories damaging to Switzerland suppressed
• Whistleblowers denied platform
• Self-censorship widespread

Alternative Media

Hross's solution:

• YouTube and independent platforms
• Direct audience connection
• Creative Commons licensing
• Bypass traditional gatekeepers

Significance of the Collaboration

Cross-Border Solidarity

The Hross-Krone collaboration:

• Austrian paper helping expose Swiss crimes
• International solidarity
• Whistleblower support network
• Limited but real impact

Template for Action

Demonstrates:

• Media can be engaged
• Local outlets may cover international stories
• Persistence required
• Documentation essential

Quotes

"So me Sean Ross contacted the biggest Austrian newspaper the Krone Zeitung helped them write an article on it." ~ Dr. Sean Hross

Legacy

The Krone Zeitung article represents one of the few mainstream media attempts to cover the Umfogl case. While it did not lead to international action or Swiss accountability, it demonstrated that:

1. Media coverage is possible
2. Cross-border collaboration works
3. Stories can reach audiences
4. Persistence matters

The case remains an example of how even limited media exposure can document crimes that might otherwise be completely buried by Swiss secrecy and power networks.