An investigative report by ARD-Kontraste and Rbb24-Recherche has uncovered the exploits of Nigerian migrant Jonathan A, residing in Germany, who is leveraging loopholes in the German immigration law to receive approximately €22,000 in monthly child support for his claimed 24 children. Despite being deemed “poor” and “destitute” by German authorities, Mr. Jonathan flaunts a lavish lifestyle on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he goes by the username “Mr. Cash Money” and showcases his collection of expensive cars.
Under the German immigration law, children of citizens are entitled to automatic citizenship regardless of their residence status. This law extends citizenship recognition to the mothers and close relatives of these children as well. Mr. Jonathan has expanded his dependents to a total of 94 individuals, including his 24 children, their mothers, and close relatives, thereby granting them access to foreign citizenship and entitling him to a minimum of $22,500 for their care. Additionally, Mr. Jonathan has two pending applications for children he claims to father.
However, the investigative report, titled “Fake Fathers,” reveals that individuals like Mr. Jonathan often receive payments from purported mothers as fees for facilitating citizenship filings, presenting a pathway to improved living conditions and benefits for their children, along with the opportunity for legal residency in Germany.
“Sham paternity is about allowing people who actually have no prospects of staying in Germany to stay in Germany,” Axel Boshamer, an immigration officer told ARD-Kontraste and Rbb24-Recherche.
“These people are willing to pay money for this, usually to the person who takes on the fictitious paternity.”
He stressed that many women from West African countries were taking advantage of the porous law to occupy North Rhine-Westphalia.
Connect with us on our socials: