Duisburg authorities inspect properties to combat social benefit fraud

Authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia are conducting inspections of problematic properties to combat social benefit fraud and rent exploitation. A recent operation in Duisburg highlighted the severity of the issue, where officials discovered a dilapidated building in poor living conditions.

During the inspection, authorities found that a large family previously registered at the address—who were reportedly receiving child benefits and basic security payments—was no longer residing in the property. While 18 residents from Romania were originally registered, investigators found only 12 people present, some of whom were unregistered. The property owner, identified as a Dutch national, could not be reached. Duisburg Mayor Sören Link noted that such instances of potential social benefit fraud undermine public acceptance of the welfare state.