An Italian 70‑year‑old resident of Vicenza has been accused of fraudulently collecting over €1 million in blind‑benefit payouts for five decades, all of which he reportedly spent on daily life.
Pretended Blindness for Five Decades
A Vicenza resident convinced authorities that he was blind, claiming disability benefits since 1972.
Benefits Disbursed Over 50 Years
The Guardia di Finanza reports that the man received more than €1 million in disability and blindness allowances, which were halted immediately.
Evidence of Normal Abilities
Financial police filmed the 70‑year‑old performing gardening tasks with hazardous tools and shopping alone, highlighting no serious visual impairment.
Court and Fraud Charges
The defence officer faces fraud charges and will appear before the court; a fiscal procedure aims to recover €200 000 allegedly taken in the last five years.
