Police in Bornem (Antwerp Province) have started an investigation into fraud allegedly committed by one of the municipality’s social workers. The social worker allegedly transferred money from clients that are on a budget management programme to her own account. The social worker was sacked on the spot and the municipal authority has reported her to the police. In addition to a police investigation the case will also be investigated by the Flemish auditor’s office, Audit Flanders.
The case came to light after one of the victims asked questions about some of the payments made. An internal investigation discovered that a social worker had transferred money from several of her clients to her own account.
The victims were all on a budget management programme, which means that they had voluntarily sought support to help them manage their finances.
Sacked on the spot
The woman was sacked as soon as the fraud came to light. Björn Caljon is the Director-General of the municipal authority in Bornem. He told VRT News that an internal investigation is underway to determine the extent of the fraud and how it can be prevented from reoccurring. A police investigation is underway and Audit Flanders will also carry out an audit to assess the extent of the fraud.
All the victims of the fraud have been contacted. They can call a special telephone number where they can ask questions or express their concerns about what has happened. Currently there are 135 people in Bornem that are on the Social Service Department’s budget management programme.