World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Lucerne ex-couple convicted in 571,000-franc benefits fraud
A court in Uznach, Switzerland, convicted a Lucerne man and his ex-wife of professional fraud over social security benefits.
The man had claimed severe disabilities, including serious vision problems, and presented himself at official appointments with a white cane.
Investigators observed him driving, piloting a boat and gardening during surveillance from November 2013 to March 2014.
The case concerned nearly 571,000 francs in disability and occupational pension benefits that prosecutors said the pair received improperly.
The court considered only conduct from August 2012 to January 2017, as other alleged offences had expired under the statute of limitations.
Both received suspended prison sentences and a three-year probation period, and each must pay 95,000 francs to the state.
The court also barred them from transferring their jointly owned house to their children; the man must pay more than 81,000 francs in court costs and his ex-wife more than 36,000.
A Lucerne former couple were convicted of professional fraud over nearly 571,000 francs in benefits.
The man had claimed serious disabilities while investigators observed him driving, piloting a boat and gardening.
The court found them guilty over conduct from August 2012 to January 2017, with other alleged acts time-barred.
Both received suspended prison sentences with a three-year probation period.
Each must pay 95,000 francs to the state, and the man must pay more than 81,000 francs in court costs.
- Who
- A former couple from Lucerne.
- What
- They were convicted of professional fraud over nearly 571,000 francs in benefits.
- When
- They appeared in court on October 6; the court considered conduct from August 2012 to January 2017.
- Where
- Uznach District Court, Switzerland.
- Why
- The man claimed serious disabilities while receiving benefits, although investigators observed him acting independently; his former wife supported his claims.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The man received full disability and occupational pension benefits.
St Gallen's social insurance office received a report questioning whether the man's disabilities were genuine.
Investigators observed the man driving, piloting a boat, gardening and carrying out other activities.
The former couple appeared before Uznach District Court and were convicted.
- Benefits alleged
- Nearly 571,000 francs
- Court
- Uznach District Court
- Conduct considered
- August 2012–January 2017
- Compensation
- 95,000 francs each payable to the state
- Probation
- Three years
- Court costs
- More than 81,000 francs for the man; more than 36,000 francs for his former wife
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