Through the statement, the organisations lambasted the criminal scheme and pointed out its eroding effects on democracy and civil society.

“This abuse is undermining our country’s democracy and so, it is weakening society in general, because when there are people who sell their vote in order to get what they are not entitled to, it is weakening the voice of the people who do their duty when they go to vote conscientiously.”

“We are already aware of the large number of people, particularly young people, in our country, who are losing faith in the institutions and our democratic system,” they said.

The NGOs further explained that the allowances given to those who did not deserve it amounted to millions of stolen funds; “funds that could have been used to help families and other individuals who are truly in need, that could have been invested in education, health or the environment.”

“Such theft, guided by nefarious people undermined the people’s trust in the benefits system; in the doctors and professionals whose names and signatures were used with deception.”

On the other hand, the organisation empathised with some of the unwarranted beneficiaries that unknowingly formed part of this widespread fraud. 

“There were people among them who, due to certain emotional, intellectual, or mental health limitations, did not know that when they were applying for these benefits they were not eligible for them. These people are also victims, and today they are suffering much more because someone deceived them into applying for these benefits,” the social organisations explained.

“Among them are individuals and families who, since they are now paying back what they took, are now in poverty, and are suffering more than they were before they received these benefits.”

Ultimately, the organisations called upon the state to do “everything in its power so that justice” prevails. It further proposed for changes to be made to the system that would increase transparency when it comes to applications for all kinds of social benefits. 

“The departments concerned should also do their best to introduce measures, from now on, so that no one can buy someone else’s vote by promising access to social benefits or social housing, access to illicit preferential treatment, etc.”

“Only through this will we be able to strengthen democracy in our country and thus ensure a just society built on respecting human dignity and the protection of the common good.”

Meanwhile, the investigation into the fraudulent racket is seeing full commitment by the Financial Crimes Investigation Department (FCID) which is investing most of its resources into the controversial case.

Do you agree with the SAS?