Pension Fraud: The Strange Case of a Son in Disguise

In a bizarre turn of events, a man from Borgo Virgilio, near Mantua, Italy, is under investigation for a peculiar crime. He allegedly dressed up as his deceased mother to collect her pension. This isn't just a case of identity theft; it involves hiding a body and deceiving authorities. The man, a 56-year-old unemployed nurse, reportedly hid his mother's body in his home after she passed away in 2022. Instead of reporting her death, he continued to live off her pension. The scheme unraveled when he attempted to renew her ID card at the local council office. Dressed as an elderly woman, complete with a wig, makeup, and jewelry, he tried to mimic his mother's appearance. However, his disguise wasn't perfect. The council staff noticed something off about his appearance. His neck seemed too thick, and his hands didn't look like those of an 85-year-old woman. The mayor of Borgo Virgilio described the man's attempt to imitate a female voice, but occasionally, his masculine tone slipped out. This raised suspicions, leading to a closer inspection. Authorities compared photos of the deceased woman with the man in disguise. The investigation led them to his home, where they found his mother's body hidden in the laundry room. This case highlights a disturbing trend in Italy. It's not the first time a family member has hidden a deceased relative's body to continue claiming their benefits. In 2023, similar cases were discovered in Verona and a town in Puglia. In one instance, a son hid his father's body for a decade. The man's annual income, thanks to his mother's pension and three properties, was around €53, 000. This raises questions about the effectiveness of pension fraud detection systems. It also underscores the lengths some people will go to for financial gain.