Main Customs Office Finds Two Guilty of Social Benefits Fraud
The Main Customs Office in Osnabrück has successfully concluded two cases of suspected unemployment benefits fraud. A 25-year-old man from Vechta and a 46-year-old woman from Cloppenburg were found guilty of failing to inform the employment agency about their employment, leading to fines and imprisonment.
The investigations were initiated after discrepancies were discovered through data matching by the Financial Control of Undeclared Work (FKS) of the main customs office. The man was fined €2,000 for causing around €1,950 in damages. The woman, however, received a more severe punishment - an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for three years - after receiving approximately €2,900 in unemployment benefits while employed. Both defendants had social security contributions paid by the employment agency while also being registered for social security by their employers, despite reminders to inform the benefit offices of their employment.
The successful investigations by the Main Customs Office Osnabrück serve as a reminder of the importance of honesty in unemployment benefits claims. The convictions highlight the consequences of failing to notify the relevant authorities of employment status, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
