NAV reported social security fraud of 86 million kroner to the police last year
NAV reported a significant increase in social security fraud, with cases totaling 86 million kroner in 2022 and a rise in complexity of the cases.
In 2022, Norway's NAV agency reported social security fraud cases totaling 86 million kroner, marking an increase of 9.6 million kroner from the previous year. A total of 314 individuals were reported to the police for involvement in these fraudulent activities. This rise indicates heightened concern over fraud, with NAV highlighting a focus on serious cases and complex situations that have emerged.
Despite a decrease in the total number of fraud reports in 2025, the sum of reported fraudulent amounts has increased. This trend points to a changing landscape in social security fraud, where cases are becoming more intricate and challenging to tackle. The acting director of employment and welfare, Eve Vangsnes Bergli, emphasized that the increase in reported monetary amounts does not suggest a decline in fraud incidents but rather a shift in the nature of these cases, necessitating prioritization of the most serious violations.
The implications of this trend are significant, as it reflects the ongoing challenges within Norway's welfare system to combat fraud effectively. With resources allocated to handle more complex cases, there may be a need for enhanced strategies and investments in technology to prevent future fraud attempts and protect public funds. The overall approach of NAV will likely continue to adapt to these emerging patterns in social security fraud to maintain the integrity of the welfare system.