*NEWSBITES

ZURICH -- A Pakistani man living with his family in Zurich has received a 24-month prison sentence for fraud and falsifying documents. The man jetted around the world on business while his family lived on social benefits. Along with a carpet business, the man also brokered deals to sell technical equipment to the Pakistani military, and tried to export Swiss armored personnel carriers to Pakistan.

The court determined that between 2002 and 2007, the defendant received approximately $217,000 in social and unemployment benefits from the Swiss government. State prosecutors accused him of receiving even more money. The court dismissed the prosecution's estimate of roughly $542,000 for lack of proof.

The case first came to public attention when a Swiss newspaper wrote about the family in 2007. The newspaper published two articles on the matter, noting that the six-member family was receiving monthly social benefits of $9,900 and yet enjoyed a rather extravagant lifestyle. They employed several domestic workers and took many trips back to Pakistan, the articles reported. The City Council investigative committee took the matter up from there, and published a report in January 2008.

The report found that the $9,900 – for rent, health insurance, basic needs and house help -- was justified according to relevant regulations. A parking space was also included, although the man rented this out. Although the exact financing of trips back to Pakistan could not be established, the wife claimed that relatives paid for them. How the man's frequent international travel was financed was unclear.

The committee concluded that certain "lessons' could be learned from the case. Authorities, the committee decided, should have a firmer grip on reasons why receivers of benefits would travel and what their available assets are. In the case of people who claim to be self-employed, the state should have more knowledge about the exact nature of their work.

City Councilor Urs Egger, who presided over the committee, said it was clear "something was not right" about the family's situation. Alex Baur, the Weltwoche journalist who published the two articles about the family, called the whole thing a "farce."

State prosecutor Sabine Tobler had asked for a 42-month sentence without parole for the 58-year-old defendant, who was not present in court for reasons of ill-health.

Read the full story in German by Stefan Hohler

Photo - images of money

*Newsbites are digest items, not direct translations