Australia investigates welfare fraud by illegal immigrants (Daily Telegraph)
Australian illegal immigrants receive government benefits and send A $5 million to their families in their countries of origin.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Australian authorities are investigating more than 8000 asylum-seekers smuggled into Australia, suspected of lying about their income and assets, in order to receive benefits that would otherwise support vulnerable immigrant groups while government was processing its refugee application.
Australia's national security agencies have identified 44 asylum-seekers sending billions of dollars to Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Indonesia, up to A $ four hundred and fifty thousand.
Australia's internal affairs minister, Dutton (Peter Dutton), said it would not let those who cheated on Australia's government escape punishment.
"these people smuggled into Australia by boat, claiming to be penniless, enjoying benefits and taking away the hard-earned taxpayers' money," said Dutton. At the same time, they inexplicably own large sums of money and move around the world. "
Overall, nearly A $5 million was transferred overseas, with an average of A $ one hundred thousand sent home.
Australian authorities will provide welfare support to asylum seekers residing in Australia on temporary visas during the assessment of refugee status. Over the past five years, the welfare spending has cost taxpayers a total of A $1.5 billion.
Australia's government, which began a crackdown on fraud benefits last year, is focusing on welfare cheats who transfer large sums of money overseas.