French Court Exposes Millions in Pension Fraud Paid to Algeria

Millions in French Pensions Wrongly Paid to Algeria: Court of Auditors Exposes Widespread Fraud France is grappling with a significant financial scandal after the Court of Auditors revealed that tens of millions of euros in pension payments are mistakenly sent to Algeria annually. The report, published this past Monday, highlights a staggering figure: between 40 and 80 million euros were wrongly paid in 2023 alone, totaling 1.1 billion euros over an unspecified period. This alarming revelation stems from a failure to accurately report deaths, leading to continued payments to deceased individuals. The problem isn't limited to Algeria; similar issues affect Morocco, with an estimated 12 million euros in misdirected funds, and Turkey, to a lesser degree. "Between 40 and 80 million euros of pensions were unduly paid in 2023 to deceased or ineligible persons in Algeria," states the Court of Auditors' report. The French government, recognizing the complexity of cross-border pension controls, has implemented measures to improve oversight. Since 2017, an automated data exchange system with European countries has been in place. However, the Court emphasizes the need for stronger controls outside the EU. Beginning in 2025, on-site checks will be intensified through collaboration with local partners and specialized fraud investigators. While the high number of Algerian pensioners receiving payments from abroad raises concerns, the Court cautions against automatically equating this with fraud. Further investigation is needed to determine the exact extent of the fraud and the individuals or entities responsible.