Worked in Switzerland

Judge asks social parasite to pay up

The woman collected almost 20,000 euros from the state.(Bild: Chantal Dorn, Krone KREATIV)

Brazilian woman (42) worked in a restaurant in Switzerland and apparently had other sources of income. At the same time, she was collecting social benefits from the Austrian state. A stop has now been put to this. 

"I have no income, not even any side jobs. That's the truth," the interpreter translated the 42-year-old Brazilian woman at the trial on Monday. She lives on 458 euros in alimony and 233 child support, is in arrears with two months' rent and is supported by neighbors, claims the South American registered in Oberland.

However, the public prosecutor's office sees things differently. They accuse the woman of serious commercial fraud. Over a period of three years, the mother of two is alleged to have defrauded the Austrian state of social benefits amounting to around 19,500 euros. 

Facts show otherwise
However, the previously innocent woman pleads not guilty. Even when Judge Alexander Wehinger confronts the Southerner with the seized facts. These included chat messages showing that she works as a waitress in Switzerland. "The restaurant belongs to my boyfriend. I'm there and help sometimes, but I don't get paid." 

"It can't be that they only have mental health problems in Austria and collect social benefits, but work in Switzerland."

Richter Alexander Wehinger

She also denies that she demonstrably runs an online store. "And what about her accounts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok? You pretend to be an influencer and model and have demonstrably bought followers. You've also signed a modeling contract," the councilor wants the lady to explain. It was just a hobby. My friend had bought followers to make me happy. I signed the modeling contract but never worked. She was mentally ill and had to take medication, the woman said.

 However, the public prosecutor and judge consider the statements to be purely protective. The woman is found guilty as charged and sentenced to a fine of 1440 euros due to her integrity.