Kobe city officials announced Thursday that a 22-year-old tax office employee has been fired for repeatedly filing false medical claims to take leave. The woman allegedly forged documents, including edited receipts and fake doctor’s notes, to secure 55 days off between February 2024 and January 2025.
Supervisors uncovered the misconduct after spotting inconsistencies in her paperwork, such as duplicate receipt numbers and mismatched dates. The city concluded the absences amounted to unexcused leave. In questioning, the employee said she had been struggling with personal and work-related stress.
The city also disciplined four other staff members. A 60-year-old bus division employee was suspended for six months after driving under the influence. A 26-year-old ward office worker was suspended for three months for stealing a colleague’s wallet. In separate cases, a 62-year-old transport bureau manager was fined with a pay cut, and a 45-year-old junior high school teacher received a formal reprimand.
by MagazineKey4532