Here’s a rewritten version of the article,focusing on uniqueness while preserving all verifiable facts and starting with a breaking-news lead:
Breaking news: Austrian Man Accused of Swindling Over CHF 250,000 in Social Welfare Through Alleged Disability Fraud
A 61-year-old Austrian national is facing serious accusations of defrauding social welfare systems over several years,allegedly accumulating sums equivalent to over CHF 250,000 through the pretense of a false disability. The man is accused of financing a lavish lifestyle with these funds, while submitting falsified documentation for practical expenses and misrepresenting his health status to obtain significantly higher aid than he was entitled to. The suspect denies all allegations.
The core of the alleged fraud centers on graz’s “personal budget” program,designed to offer greater self-determination to individuals with meaningful mobility impairments.Authorities claim the accused manipulated the system by providing fabricated receipts for services that were never rendered to close associates. Instead of supporting his needs, the funds are reported to have been used for parties, luxury vehicles, and holidays in Thailand, none of which were properly declared.
The city of Graz alone is said to have suffered financial damages amounting to €265,000, approximately CHF 250,000, due to this alleged scheme. An application by the man to continue receiving these benefits was reportedly denied as suspicions of fraud were already being investigated.The investigation into the Graz resident commenced in 2024, prompted by an anonymous tip from someone within his circle.Investigators reportedly found evidence indicating the suspect had not required mobility aids such as a wheelchair or rollator since 2019. Furthermore, he is accused of providing inaccurate facts to the social security institution regarding his health. Expert assessments suggest he claimed a Level 4 care allowance for six years, when he was allegedly only entitled to Level 1. This misrepresentation is estimated to have caused the social security institution a financial loss of €36,000, roughly CHF 33,600.
The accused maintains his innocence. According to the Graz police, a formal complaint for multiple, serious, and commercial fraud is expected to be filed against him imminently.
