An Italian man has reportedly gone to shocking lengths to continue receiving his deceased mother’s pension.
The 57-year-old, hailing from Borgo Virgilio in northern Italy, is accused of collecting the pension payments despite having no entitlement to them following his mother’s passing.
In a disturbing development, the man allegedly concealed his mother’s body in his home’s basement, failing to report her death to the authorities.
According to Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper, he continued to collect pension payments using her identification card. This alleged fraud was eventually uncovered when the ID card expired, rendering it unusable for further deception.
While most would concede defeat at this juncture, the man allegedly decided to craft a new ID card to perpetuate the fraud, resulting in what has been termed the ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ scandal.
Mrs Doubtfire, a 1993 film featuring Robin Williams, involves a character who disguises as an elderly female housekeeper to spend time with his children amidst a marital split.
Attempting to mimic his mother, the Italian man reportedly donned a wig and makeup to secure a new photo for her ID card.
However, office staff recognized the deception and instructed him to return in regular attire.
Upon his return the following day, law enforcement officers were waiting for him.
In a startling turn of events, authorities allegedly discovered his mother’s preserved remains, utilizing his nursing skills.
Francesco Aportil, the mayor of Borgo Virgilio, confirmed that an investigation is now underway.
He stated: “The employee shared her doubts with us, and the local police, conducting their own investigation, took action.”
Discussing how the deception was uncovered, Aporti noted that the man arrived by car, although his mother lacked a driver’s license.
Aporti explained, “He entered the municipal offices at a slow pace. He was dressed in a suit with a long skirt, wore lipstick, nail polish, jewellery, and donned dark brown hair.”
He continued: “But the neck appeared unusually large, and the wrinkles seemed off; the skin on his hands didn’t resemble that of an 85-year-old as he claimed.”
The police are investigating the case, and an autopsy is being conducted to determine the mother’s cause of death.
The man faces accusations of concealing a corpse, forgery, impersonation, and defrauding the National Institute of Social Security (INPS).