Kia ora Sophie,

The Department of Internal Affairs does not have any authority over the Ministry of Social Development regarding their regulation of benefits.

If you are not satisfied with the activity of a government agency, in the first instance it is best to engage with the agency directly about this.

However if you are unable to make any progress in engagement with the agency directly, you do have the option to make a complaint to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will then gather information to determine whether or not to proceed to investigate the agency formally. If he investigates and reaches a finding, he may issue recommendations to the agency to amend their policy or practice to resolve the issue.

The Ombudsman is also a good place to make enquiries regarding other investigatory options for different types of allegations, for example serious fraud.

You are able to find further information about making a complaint to the Ombudsman on the Ombudsman's website here: https://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/what...

Ngâ mihi,

Michelle Reed  (she/her)  
Lead Advisor – Official Correspondence
Te Tira Mâtakitaki Governance, Risk & Assurance 
Te Urungi Organisational Strategy and Performance
dia.govt.nz | Facebook

-----Original Message-----
From: Sophie <[FYI request #15666 email]>
Sent: Friday, 4 June 2021 4:51 AM
To: OIA <[email address]>
Subject: Official Information request - What happen if the MSD Fraud Investigation Team never take any action against a benefit fraud?

Dear Department of Internal Affairs,

I fully respect fraud investigation requires a high level of expertise. Still, there are some apparent benefit frauds happening around me that any average person would be able to notice they are benefit frauds.

We have presented very clear evidence regarding the benefit fraud happening, but after fours months, the MSD Fraud Investigation Office has not take any action, not even a call or an email to the person being reported.

The person being reported was actually my husband, so I surely know if any action has been made against his misconduct or not.
If he does not stop at this stage, he might commit more serious benefit frauds in the future.

What can we do if the MSD fails to enforce the law?
Is the MSD Fraud Team answerable to the Serious Fraud Office?
What can I do if I am not satisfied with the MSD regarding this?

Yours faithfully

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