Brussels, Belgium - A Belgian couple has been convicted of fraudulently receiving social security benefits while primarily residing in Morocco. Mustapha (75) and Mahjouba (72), who obtained Belgian nationality in 2017 and 2018 respectively through family reunification, were found guilty of claiming the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GRAPA), a benefit requiring continuous residence in Belgium.
the case began in March 2018 following an anonymous tip-off to the federal pension service detailing the couple’s extended stays in Morocco. An investigation afterward confirmed thay had largely lived in Morocco as early 2018, despite receiving Belgian benefits. A domiciliary visit in January 2020 revealed their Belgian residence was almost entirely unoccupied.
The court emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating it was “unpleasant to note that our social security regime, which is based on solidarity, was thus abused to obtain advantages to which the defendants were not entitled.” the couple’s defense, citing a language barrier, was rejected by the magistrates. Their son, Ahmed, was also found complicit, having assisted with administrative procedures.
The State suffered a financial loss amounting to “several tens of thousands of euros.” The federal pension service has been granted the right to recover the improperly paid funds, and the couple has begun the reimbursement process, though a full repayment schedule remains undefined.
Related: France is increasing scrutiny of pensions paid to retirees living in Morocco
Related: New residency requirements may impact retirees living abroad
related: Important facts for French retirees in Morocco regarding pension regulations
