ROME – An Italian man is under investigation after authorities say he disguised himself as his deceased mother for nearly three years in order to keep collecting her pension benefits, while her mummified body remained hidden inside their family home.
A Bizarre Scheme to Maintain Pension Income
According to Italian media reports, the 56-year-old unemployed nurse undertook extreme measures to convincingly impersonate his mother, who died at the age of 82 around 2022.
To mimic her appearance, he reportedly cut his hair to match her style, applied makeup including foundation and lipstick, and dressed in her jewelry — notably a pear-shaped necklace and vintage earrings.
The man then visited government offices in Borgo Virgilio, near Mantua, attempting to renew her ID card while posing as the late woman.
Staff Noticed Physical Inconsistencies
His plan began to unravel earlier this month when he visited another municipal office in the Mantua area. Despite his detailed preparation, employees quickly noticed that his physical features did not match those of an elderly woman.
Local officials said the impersonator had a “thick neck,” “strange wrinkles,” and hands that did not resemble those of an 85-year-old.
Although he tried to speak in a female voice, staff reported that his tone occasionally shifted to a more masculine pitch — raising further suspicion.
One employee contacted authorities, prompting a comparison of official records and photographs. Investigators soon confirmed the deception.
The Shocking Discovery Inside the Family Home
Police later searched the man’s house, where they made a disturbing discovery: the mummified body of his mother, Graziella Dall’Oglio, wrapped in bedsheets and hidden inside a sleeping bag in the laundry room.
Authorities described the remains as being in an “advanced state of mummification.” The body has since been transferred to a local hospital morgue for a formal autopsy, though early indications suggest she likely died of natural causes.
Years of Fraudulent Payments
Investigators believe the man collected approximately £47,000 per year from his mother’s pension and her real-estate portfolio, which included three properties. Over the years, he reportedly claimed tens of thousands of euros before the scheme was uncovered.
He is now facing multiple charges, including illegal concealment of a corpse and pension fraud.
Local officials called the case “deeply strange and profoundly sad,” highlighting the extraordinary lengths to which the man went to sustain the deception.
FAQs
1. How long did the man impersonate his mother?
Authorities believe the impersonation lasted for nearly three years following her death in 2022.
2. How was the fraud discovered?
Government employees noticed physical inconsistencies when he appeared to renew her ID, prompting an investigation.
3. What charges is he facing?
He is being investigated for benefits fraud, identity fraud, and illegal concealment of a corpse.
4. What was the condition of the mother’s body?
Her remains were found in a “clearly mummified state” and wrapped inside a sleeping bag.
5. Did the mother die of natural causes?
Authorities suspect a natural death, but a formal autopsy will determine the cause.
