Raid for Child Benefit Fraud: 59 Children 'Missing' in a German Apartment Building

duisburg, germany - Authorities discover 59 missing children out of 300 registered at 'de Witte Reus' in Duisburg, suspected to be living in their parents' home countries.

Authorities Uncover Child Benefit Fraud in Duisburg

German authorities conducted a raid at 'de Witte Reus' in Duisburg, where 59 out of 300 registered children were found missing, sparking suspicions of child benefit fraud. The building, known for housing mainly Eastern Europeans, raised concerns about the whereabouts of the missing children.

The Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA), responsible for distributing child benefits, is investigating the case and suspects that the children might be residing in their parents' home countries such as Romania and Bulgaria. The (SPD) mayor of Duisburg, Sören Link, raised concerns about the discrepancies in the registered numbers, leading to the discovery of widespread social welfare fraud.

As a result of the raid, 16 individuals have been arrested, and the child benefits of the missing 59 children have been suspended until their residency in Duisburg is proven. Authorities are currently reclaiming an estimated 177,000 euros in benefits.