Bulgaria-Linked Social Security Fraud Under Investigation in Netherlands

Dutch Investigators Probe Suspected Fraudulent Social Security Claims from Bulgaria

On Wednesday, the Dutch finance ministry investigators launched an inquiry into potentially fraudulent social security benefit claims originating from Bulgaria. The investigation was sparked by a series of complaints from various government agencies regarding suspicious claims filed from abroad, specifically Bulgaria.

Inquiry Highlights Falsified Entries and Identity Fraud

The investigation suggests that falsified entries in the standard population register may have enabled individuals to claim benefits, coupled with identity fraud and the misuse of the Digid identification system. Logius, which manages government digital services, reported nearly 2,000 BSN numbers linked to a small number of IP addresses, leading to payments from the suspect addresses being halted.

Suspicious Activities Detected

• Files have been transferred to investigators for further investigation
• Two local authorities expressed concerns about wrongful registrations and possible false rental agreements
• Junior Minister Aukje de Vries mentioned these concerns in a parliamentary briefing

Link to Previous Scandal

The move comes amidst concerns that fraudulent activity may be linked to a larger scheme. In 2013, reports of a major benefits fraud involving a Bulgarian gang led to a tough new approach from the tax office, which ultimately resulted in the childcare benefit scandal. The fraud in question cost the Dutch state €5.6 million and landed six individuals behind bars.

Aftermath of Previous Scandal

The aftermath of the 2013 scandal saw tens of thousands of people wrongly accused of fraud and forced to repay thousands of euros, with many still awaiting resolution.