A 57‑year‑old Italian man, disguised as his deceased mother, was arrested on November 11 for forging identity documents and attempting to claim her pension, police say.
Italy: 57‑Year‑Old Impersonates Deceased Mother
The case began in Borgo Virgilio, a municipality in Mantua province, when a 57‑year‑old man applied for a renewal of his mother’s identification card on November 11. He wore a wig, adopted his mother’s clothing, applied make‑up and painted his nails in an attempt to resemble her. Despite his effort, a staff member noticed a deep‑voiced voice and hair on his neck and beard. He also drove to the office, a fact that raised suspicion because his mother had never held a driver’s licence.
Target: a Pension
Police were notified and opened an investigation. According to Corriere della Sera, the authorities called the man to tell him that the procedure had not been completed and that his mother’s presence was required. When he returned, he was directed to a local police station down the street. There the man confessed to being the woman’s son and that he had been receiving her pension for the past three years since her death.
Police Discover Macabre Evidence
Officers went to the man’s home where they found a mummified body of his mother in a wardrobe in the laundry room. Rai News reported that the unemployed male nurse had used his nursing knowledge to remove fluids from the deceased, preventing decomposition. A post‑mortem will soon clarify the circumstances of her death. He also notes they owned three houses and some land, indicating no financial problems. Mayor Francesco Aporti described it as “very, very sad” during a conversation with Corriere della Sera.
