Mokpo authorities crack down on organized unemployment benefit fraud

The Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office Mokpo Branch has ordered the return of approximately 150 million won, including additional penalties, from seven individuals involved in organized unemployment benefit fraud. The group allegedly engaged in a scheme of repeated false entries and exits from the same workplace while using family members' names to maintain employment insurance coverage during benefit periods.

Authorities have referred the seven individuals and the corporate entity involved to the prosecution. Investigations revealed that the group systematically exploited the employment insurance system to claim approximately 60 million won in fraudulent benefits. Some workplace officials were also found to have conspired in the false reporting of employment status.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor noted that similar fraudulent activities are occurring nationwide. In 2023, a planned investigation identified 218 individuals who fraudulently received 2.37 billion won in benefits through schemes such as disguised employment and false resignations.