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A migrant family who applied for asylum in Austria were ordered to repay tens of thousands in benefits after officials found EUR 150,000 worth of bitcoin on the father's phone and proof that they owned a farm and vineyard back home.
The family were housed in a shelter in Braunau, Upper Austria, after arriving penniless in October 2023, and received EUR 66,457 (GBP 58,000) in benefits covering accommodation, food, healthcare, and other support.
The alleged fraud came to light during a routine inspection when officials discovered a land registry app on the father’s phone, listing a farm with a 4.4-hectare vineyard and a flat in Istanbul, which he admitted owning.
A crypto wallet found on the same device confirmed he held 1.5 Bitcoin shares, which had not been disclosed in the family’s asylum application.
Authorities said the undeclared assets disqualified the family from receiving state support, which is only available to those in genuine financial need.
The family were issued a repayment order on 20th July and told to vacate the property by the end of the month. All benefits were immediately halted.
Regional Social Councillor Christian Dorfel expressed his outrage: “I have zero tolerance for cases like this, where someone abuses our willingness to help.
"I have therefore immediately ordered that the neediness of asylum seekers be assessed even more strictly and thoroughly. Only those who are truly in need should receive support from us.”
He added: "We are working closely with the police and will take consistent action against abuse of the asylum and social welfare systems."
(Mike Leidig / newsX)
Byline Journalist: Mike Leidig
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Aloysius Fernandes
Byline Commisioning Editor: Aloysius Fernandes
Byline Senior Writer: Mike Leidig
Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik
Byline Copychecker: Marija Stojkoska
Byline Illustrator: Marija Stojkoska
Byline News Editor: Mike Leidig
Geography: Braunau_am_Inn
Subject: Legal, Society, Immigration, Asylum
T4 Editor Story Rating: 7
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 5
T4 Total rating: 6
