Policing welfare fraud : the investigation of benefit fraud in Malta

Abstract

Welfare Fraud is often and incorrectly perceived as a victimless crime. It is the intentional misuse of the state welfare system by withholding information or by giving false or inaccurate information to acquire benefits from the state. Research indicates that fraud is clearly influenced by social and personal norms. Where detection and sanctions are believed to be weak, the incidence of fraud increases. The study aims to investigate what measures are in place to prevent or detect welfare fraud in Malta, to investigate the legal framework and policies used and to identify whether such laws and policies do act as a barrier towards such investigations. The Performance Audit report addressing Social Benefit Fraud published by the Malta National Audit Office (2014) concludes that measures to combat welfare fraud are weak and deterrents against benefit fraud do not aid enforcement efforts. This dissertation will therefore seek to investigate whether the existing legal framework and supporting operational and investigative procedures facilitate or hamper welfare fraud investigations.