He spends three years in Africa collecting unemployment benefits and ends up with a €50,000 fine: “The facts are socially unacceptable.”

A 52-year-old man from Herentals, Belgium, has been convicted of fraudulently receiving unemployment benefits for years while spending extended periods overseas. The Turnhout court ruled that his actions were “socially unacceptable,” ordering him to repay more than $53,000—as part of the penalty.

Caught at the border

The scheme unraveled on November 15 of last year, when Belgian border police conducted a routine passport check at Brussels Airport (Zaventem). Officials noticed multiple stamps indicating the man had spent long stretches in the Democratic Republic of Congo between 2018 and 2024—totaling 1,075 days—without notifying authorities, all while collecting unemployment benefits back home.

Unemployment benefits while abroad

According to Belgium’s National Employment Office, the man had been registered as unemployed since September 1, 2016, receiving benefits as a head of household. However, he failed to report his extended absences on his control card, a required step for anyone receiving unemployment payments. Investigators concluded that he had been improperly collecting benefits during his time abroad.

Mental health defense rejected

In court, the man claimed he suffered from mental health issues and memory problems, insisting he was unaware of the requirement to update his control card when traveling. But the judge dismissed the defense, stating it was unacceptable for someone to receive public assistance for years without fulfilling basic reporting obligations.

The verdict

The court fined him €6,400 (about $6,800) and ordered full repayment of the illegally obtained benefits. As of now, he still owes €50,827—roughly $53,800.

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