Social Benefit Fraud in Lower Austria: 3,000 Cases and 25 Million Euros in Damages

The number was mentioned on Tuesday afternoon in St. Pölten at a networking meeting aimed at combating this form of crime through inter-agency and organizational collaboration. The case of a 59-year-old Bosnian was highlighted.

The man, residing in the Neunkirchen district, is alleged to have wrongfully received approximately 19,500 euros in care allowance from December 2022 to March 2025, which has already been officially reclaimed, and a disability pension of 22,000 euros, which was officially revoked at the end of May. The further damage, which would have been to the detriment of the Pension Insurance Institution (PVA), referred to by investigators as "attempted damage," was estimated at around 261,000 euros for care allowance and 108,000 euros for disability pension. The 59-year-old is in custody at the Wiener Neustadt correctional facility.

Social Fraud: Health Condition Misrepresented, Residence Faked

The Bosnian is accused of misrepresenting his health condition and faking his residence, claiming his main residence was in Austria. He allegedly pretended to have mobility restrictions and appeared with a walker for examinations or assessments at the PVA, according to the police. Furthermore, he is said to have feigned bowel and urinary incontinence as well as cognitive impairment to receive care allowance or a higher care level and a disability pension.

The accused is also charged with having stayed abroad for at least 260 days in 2024 and at least 180 days in 2023. He allegedly only pretended to have his main residence at his address in the Neunkirchen district to collect benefits from the PVA.

Foreign investigations by the Lower Austria State Criminal Police Office revealed, according to investigators, that the 59-year-old has his residence in Bosnia and Herzegovina with his wife and regularly stays there. Records of border crossings would reinforce the suspicion that he is merely pretending to maintain his main residence in Austria.

Observed Without Walking Aid

On April 4, the accused was observed by law enforcement officers as he approached his car without a walking aid and apparently without any motor impairment, and took the driver's seat. According to the investigation, he drove the car to St. Pölten near the PVA to undergo an examination there. It was also noted on Tuesday that the man, as the holder of a permanent disability pass, was exempt from the motor vehicle tax.

The State Criminal Police Office (LKA) of Lower Austria is responsible for investigations in cases of social benefit fraud in the state. Additionally, the Foreign and Border Police Department (FGA) is responsible for the immigration-related component.

550 Cases with 3.5 Million Euros in Damage This Year

The task force makes a significant contribution to uncovering social benefit fraud, emphasized State Police Director Franz Popp. With 550 cases and damage amounting to 3.5 million euros this year, the importance of investigations for the integrity of the social system is evident. Not least, the continuous increase in the number of cases since 2019 underscores the need for intensified controls and preventive measures.

About 20 institutions are part of the task force, explained Marcel Höhenberger from the LKA. Police and judiciary are included, as well as state, foreign, and financial authorities, and disbursing agencies (social insurance carriers, AMS). Cross-organizational collaboration is "the be-all and end-all" in combating social benefit fraud.

(APA/Red)

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