Tax inspectors last year identified fraudulent claims for healthcare, housing and child benefits totalling €40m and another potential €40m-worth of cases are still under investigation, according to new finance ministry figures.

Junior tax minister Frans Weekers told parliament in a briefing on Tuesday he plans to increase checks on potential fraud and toughen sanctions on people who have acquired the extra cash illegally, news agency ANP reported.
The outgoing cabinet has already agreed people found guilty of a second attempt to defraud the tax office will be given a fine equal to 150% of the total amount. In addition, people who refuse to hand over details of any income from abroad will have their benefits stopped.
Healthcare and housing benefit is payable to low income households to help them pay for health insurance and rent.