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Social security evasion hotline draws 6,000 complaints in first year

20:45 22/08/2016

A new hotline for reporting suspected cases of social fraud in Belgium is only a year old, but has already received nearly 6,000 complaints. Most reports were about undeclared work and domicile-related fraud, writes Gazet van Antwerpen.

The federal secretary of state for fighting social fraud, Philippe De Backer (pictured), believes the hotline is a success because people are increasingly tired of seeing other people commit social fraud. "We are currently in a period of austerity," said De Backer. "People are willing to contribute, but no longer tolerate it when others take advantage of the system. They want that money to be used for its intended purpose."

The reports help the inspection service to search for cases of social fraud. Of the 5,990 complaints filed between October, 2015, and 1 August this year, two-thirds were founded and led to further research.

Written by Robyn Boyle