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Blue light in the red light! Villach's police chief Erich Londer has set up his own investigation team in the fight against illegal residential prostitution. Within a few months, the handcuffs have already clicked several times. The news has caused a stir in the scene and shows that The authorities in Carinthia are taking consistent action against unauthorized "sex apartments".

Why Villach is a hotspot

In recent years, Villach has developed into a hotspot for illegal residential prostitution. After the closure of smaller establishments, a vacuum was created that was filled by offers in normal rented apartments. According to the police, there are around 270 registered sex service providers in Carinthia - plus an estimated 70 to 100 women who work illegally, many of them in Villach and Klagenfurt.

The women involved often come from Romania or Hungary. Investigators report cases of sexual exploitation, the so-called loverboy method or even family pressure structures. In addition to pure illegality, human trafficking and pimping often play a role.

What does the law say in Carinthia?

The Carinthian Prostitution Act (K-PRG) only permits the practice and initiation of prostitution in brothels licensed by the authorities. Illegal residential prostitution violates this law and may also violate the Aids Act, the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Act and residence regulations.

Landlords and operators of such "sex apartments" face severe fines or other criminal consequences. The women concerned risk being reported to the police and, in many cases, deportation.

→ More on the exact text of the law: Carinthian Prostitution Act on RIS

Current police measures

In March 2025, the Carinthian State Office of Criminal Investigation carried out a large-scale operation in Klagenfurt and Villach. Twelve young women (mostly aged 18-25) were found to be involved in illegal prostitution, reported and in some cases deported. In several cases, additional investigations were carried out against those behind the scenes.

The current Krone report from March 27, 2026 makes it clear that police chief Erich Londer is consistently pursuing this line with his new special group.

Consequences for customers in the event of a raid

Many people ask themselves: What actually happens to the client if they are caught in an illegal sex apartment during a raid?

In the Carinthian Prostitution Act there is no direct administrative penalty specifically for clients who merely make use of the service. The penal provisions are primarily aimed at operators and the women themselves. Nevertheless, it is not risk-free: During a raid, the personal details of all those present are usually established. The customer can be questioned as a witness and ends up in the police files.

In exceptional cases, there may be criminal consequences, for example if the woman is a victim of human trafficking, coercion or exploitation and the customer knew this or was grossly negligent in ignoring it. There is also the risk of reputational damage, especially in a small town like Villach, as well as higher health risks due to a lack of mandatory examinations. Although the police actions are primarily aimed at combating exploitation structures, the risk of an unpleasant identity check and possible follow-up investigations remains real.

→ Details on the 2025 priority action: ORF Carinthia - Strike against illegal housing prostitution

Legal alternatives: The safer and more professional choice

Instead of high risks, legal sex work in Carinthia offers clear advantages:

• You work in officially licensed brothels or as a self-employed, registered sex service provider.
• Regular health checks and legal protection protect you and your customers.
• No fear of sudden raids, reports or deportation.
• Better opportunities for self-determined and professional work without hidden exploitation structures.

There are currently around 19 legal brothels in Carinthia (most of them in the Klagenfurt and Villach area), where hundreds of women operate transparently and in accordance with the rules. Those who adhere to the regulations can pursue their activities openly, safely and without constant legal uncertainty.

On platforms such as Intimcity.at you can find exactly these reputable, legal offers and contacts. As a provider or customer, you can find your way around here - discreetly, transparently and always within the framework of legal regulations. Many members value the community because it offers real alternatives to illegal offers and focuses on mutual respect and safety.

→ Further background information on illegal prostitution in Villach: ORF Carinthia - Illegal residential prostitution is booming

Conclusion

The new special group under Erich Londer sends a clear signal: illegal and exploitative structures are to be curbed in Villach. At the same time, prostitution remains regulated in Austria - those who adhere to the rules can work legally, safely and professionally.

Stay informed, act responsibly and only use legal channels. Do you have questions about the general conditions in Carinthia, registration or are you looking for serious contacts? You can find support, up-to-date information and real alternatives in our Intimcity community.