World Desk 19 Mar , 2024 03:23 PM GMT
Former Iraqi defense minister arrested in Sweden for benefits fraud.
Najah al-Shammari apprehended at Stockholm airport upon arrival in Sweden.
Allegedly claimed child and housing support while residing in Baghdad.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani speaks during an interview with Reuters in Baghdad
Former Iraqi defense minister, who holds dual Iraqi-Swedish citizenship, has been arrested in Sweden on suspicion of illegally receiving benefits in the country. Najah al-Shammari, wanted for nearly a year and a half, was apprehended at Stockholm airport upon his arrival in Sweden.
Reports indicate that al-Shammari allegedly claimed child and housing support for an extended period while residing in Baghdad. Despite being registered as living in a Stockholm suburb, he reportedly continued to receive social payments even after returning to Iraq.
Allegations of benefits fraud surfaced in 2019 when it was revealed that al-Shammari had moved to Sweden in 2011, obtained citizenship in 2015, and was under investigation along with his wife for suspected fraudulent activities.
Sweden, known for its generous social welfare system, takes such cases seriously to uphold the integrity of its benefits programs. The arrest of al-Shammari underscores the country's commitment to combating fraudulent claims and ensuring that social benefits are rightfully distributed to those in genuine need.
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