The fraud with social benefits in Austria causes damage every year in a double digital millions. The most common fraud cases in Styria are unemployed trips abroad by recipients of unemployment. A 38-year-old Bosnian stood in front of the criminal judge in Graz.
For five years, the 38 -year -old accused would have received an unemployment benefit, although he was actually in his home country of Bosnia. It is almost 6500 euros, although in some cases it has been tried to be fraud. “Is it true that you were not logged out at the AMS?” Richter Andreas Rome asks the family man. “Yes, that’s right,” the man nods.
“It was big stress”
“Why didn’t you say you’re in Bosnia?” – “I am a war veteran. I am fighting with the psychological consequences. My father has the saying of Granat in my head. It was just a big stress.” – “But there were five years, there is no stress that is not constantly stressed,” the judge shakes his head. “A lot of tax money is lost every year. Do you like it?” – “No, I am deeply regretted.”
“Will put money on the side”
But he lost his job. Was lied and just needed the money, the man justifies himself. “They were very difficult times.” But now he has another job as a façade farmer. “I will try to put money on the side and pay everything back.” He accepts the judgment – 1200 euros financing and five months in prison for probation. “And see that you quickly make up for the damage,” the chairman gives him on the way.
It is not an isolated matter: within ten years the number of fraud cases for social services in Styria has increased closely. In 2014, 55 crimes were reported in Styria and then 515 in 2024. The damage only moves in Styria in the millions.
Source: Krone

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