Ahmet B., a Turkish citizen living in Germany for nearly 30 years, managed to receive benefits for years despite living a lavish lifestyle.
A locksmith, factory laborer, and canteen worker, B. had claimed to be living on just 600 euros a month when applying for benefits in 2017. His partner, Anna G., a Polish woman, also claimed poverty, despite the couple enjoying a much more comfortable life than their applications suggested.
The deception continued until 2019 when the Dresden public order service became suspicious after B. paid dozens of parking fines in cash, totaling 6,500 euros. The situation grew even more suspicious when it was revealed that B. was seen parking luxury rental cars, including an Audi A8 worth 100,000 euros, despite claiming to be unemployed. Furthermore, he was making monthly payments of 500 euros towards these parking fines.
An investigation was launched, uncovering companies registered in Poland under the couple’s names and revealing that both had permanent jobs. “Additionally, the accused rented cars worth 42,804 euros through a dealership from July 2017 to February 2021,” stated investigator Birgit H.
During a raid at their home in March 2021, authorities seized 16,500 euros in cash. In total, the couple had fraudulently received 52,248 euros in benefits. Ahmet B. admitted to the fraud but tried to claim that his wife, Anna, was unaware of the scheme. The Dresden District Court showed leniency, suspending the case against Anna in exchange for a 3,000-euro payment.
Ahmet B. was sentenced to 10 months of probation for his role in the fraud, and both individuals were ordered to repay the full amount of the benefits they had received.
