Gwangju Labor Office Uncovers Massive Fraud in Unemployment Benefits Claims

55 People Confirmed for Fraudulent Benefits Totaling 120 Million KRW

Order to Return Additional Collection Amounts of 240 Million KRW

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office (Director Hwang Jongcheol) announced on the 8th that it identified 55 people in a special inspection of fraudulent unemployment benefit claims and ordered the return of a total of 240 million KRW, including 120 million KRW in fraudulent claims and additional collection amounts.

The Gwangju Labor Office conducted the inspection through information linkage with related agencies such as the Ministry of Justice and the Military Manpower Administration.

The inspection targeted 519 individuals from Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk suspected of fraudulent claims due to overlapping unemployment recognition dates, overseas stay periods, military service periods, and simplified advance payment periods.

It was found that unemployment benefits were fraudulently (wrongfully) claimed through dishonest methods such as internet proxy unemployment recognition and failure to report employment dates.

Among the detected fraudulent claimants, 18 individuals with large fraudulent amounts or those who committed fraudulent acts more than twice, resulting in serious crimes, were investigated and referred to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment, with criminal punishment also being pursued.

Fraudulent claims of unemployment benefits constitute a criminal act punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million KRW. In particular, conspiracy-type fraudulent claims are subject to harsher penalties of imprisonment up to five years or fines up to 50 million KRW, making them serious crimes.

Hwang Jongcheol, Director of the Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office, stated, “This year as well, we will strengthen monitoring and special inspections of suspicious types of fraudulent claims and formalistic job-seeking activities through various channels to eradicate fraudulent claims.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.