A family pretended to be homeless to unlawfully collect social benefits. Police uncovered the extensive fraud, seizing luxury cars, properties, and cash.
A traffic stop in France uncovered four fraudsters living the high life on the state’s dime. The damage is estimated at a whopping 1.8 million euros, according to Le Figaro.
Last summer, the police pulled over a Ferrari Portofino going 247 km/h. But it wasn’t just the flashy car that caught their attention—the owners were the real interest. The driver claimed the car belonged to his mom.
However, the investigation revealed he wasn’t being entirely truthful, as the Ferrari was owned by a family business he ran with his mom, brother, and sister.
Turns out, they were involved in sophisticated financial fraud and money laundering. The family lived large, enjoying luxury shopping and vacations while reporting financial struggles to tax and social security offices. Prosecutors say their actions caused nearly 1.8 million euros in damages.
During a raid involving about 50 officers, they seized three cars, luxury goods worth 170,000 euros, properties over 600,000 euros, and more than 80,000 euros in cash and accounts. The four fraudsters face charges of benefits fraud, money laundering, illegal work, and misuse of shared assets. Their trial is set for October 27.
