A US government watchdog says more than 130 suspected SS guards and other Nazi war criminals have collected $20.2 million in US Social Security benefits over the years.
A detailed report by the inspector general of the Social Security Administration scheduled for public release on Tuesday revealed the information.
Will you offer us a hand? Every gift, regardless of size, fuels our future.
Your critical contribution enables us to maintain our independence from shareholders or wealthy owners, allowing us to keep up reporting without bias. It means we can continue to make Jewish Business News available to everyone.
You can support us for as little as $1 via PayPal at [email protected].
Thank you.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the report. It comes after an AP investigation revealed last year that benefits were paid to former Nazis after they were forced out of the United States.
The Justice Department used a legal procedure to persuade Nazi suspects to leave the US in exchange for Social Security benefits. If they agreed to go voluntarily, or simply fled the country before being deported, they could keep their benefits. President Barack Obama signed the measure into law in 2014. Congress reacted swiftly by passing legislation to close the loophole and bar Nazi suspects from receiving benefits.