The Daily Expat

British expats in Cyprus investigated for benefits fraud

Cyprus is among the top 10 countries where British expats are under investigation in connection with benefits fraud, reports said.

Figures from the Department of Work and Pensions showed that Cyprus was in 10th place with 126 cases of alleged benefits fraud probed by British authorities.

According to the Daily Mail, British nationals abroad were cheating the welfare system to the tune of £82 million a year (€102 million).

Almost 7,300 expats were accused of fiddling expenses in 2013, the paper said, with suspects living in 157 countries.

Spain was top of the list with 769 cases, followed by Pakistan with 628, and Turkey in third place with 298.

The most common cases were people not informing the authorities they were living abroad and not reporting the death of an eligible individual.

“We’re clamping down on fraud – both at home and abroad – so money goes to those who need it most, rather than lining the pockets of criminals sunning themselves overseas,” Welfare minister Mark Harper was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

Harper said they were strengthening he system and working closely with foreign authorities to bring benefit cheats to book.
Those found guilty of cheating face a fine or prison while the government can withhold 40 per cent of their benefit to collect its dues.

http://cyprus-mail.com/2014/08/11/british-expats-in-cyprus-investigated-for-benefits-fraud/