According to reports published by newspaper Jornal de Notícias, the scheme was carried out between 2014 and 2018.


The woman allegedly simulated requests for prenatal family allowances that she subsequently approved and deposited in one of her bank accounts.


The newspaper claims that the woman’s scam was uncovered by “mere chance.”


The 49-year-old is believed to have forged applications, always requesting the maximum benefits and aimed at single mothers.
For the most part, pregnant women were foreign citizens who did not exist.


According to Jornal de Notícias, after being brought before a judge last Friday the woman was released and is subject to daily check-ins with local authorities, and is banned from leaving the country.


The report noted that the woman has not been suspended from her duties at the Social Security.


Portugal’s ‘prenatal’ allowance has the purpose of encouraging pregnancy and is aimed at women with low incomes. The amounts are paid for six months from the 13th week of pregnancy.