Austria's fraudulent Kosovars

A massive abuse of social benefits by Kosovo citizens in Austria has been revealed by the Austrian state. A Kosovar founded a tourist agency with two buses has implemented regular trips during 2014 and 2015 between Austria and Kosovo, respectively, Pristina Graz. At least 1,000 people who benefited from social aid in Austria were transported by these buses.

A communiqué issued by Austria's Interior Ministry says that during research by social security agencies, these persons had fake addresses in Austria and were registered as unemployed to receive different social benefits, such as unemployment benefits (Arbeitsloseld), minimal security benefits (Mindestsicherung) or family supplements (Familenbeihile), broadcast Albinfo Austria.

Also clarified was the way these benefits have been taken over a long period without being discovered by authorities. To that end, some persons were registered in a single residential address and just received information that there would be checks by the employment office, those abroad reported and traveled by bus to Austria. In addition, registered persons had health insurance in Austria and could make medical terms if needed, and treatment costs were paid by Austrian taxpayers.

The communique also reportedly has been completed, 1,737 bus trips, while bus drivers who were later searched resulted in unemployment in Austria, resulting in profits as unemployed, and also paid as bus drivers.

In addition to bus drivers, members of their families were investigated, since they too misused social aid. The case was submitted to the Public Prosecutor of Steiermark.

Austrian Interior Minister Carl Nehammer said this investigation had to be conducted to ensure that the social system is intact.

“la is worth watching. If we want our social system intact in the long term, it should better be protected against fraud”, he has said in case of the discovery of this fraud by Kosovo citizens.

This shock, not only has returned the money to taxpayers, but it has prevented additional payments. I thank everyone involved in investigating these crimes”, Carl Nehammer said.

According to the Heute.at, the first cases of social fraud were discovered in Murtal in Seiermark. Investigations continued to expand, and it is now assumed that at least 1,000 persons are involved in the network. The damage caused is considered to be in several hundred thousand euros.