62-year-old woman from Dedeağaç buried her mother to collect pension

Authorities in Greece are investigating a shocking case involving a 62-year-old public servant, originally from Alexandroupolis, who allegedly buried her elderly mother in a stable in Boeotia in order to continue collecting her pension.

The prosecutor has ordered a preliminary investigation into possible charges of intentional homicide, homicide with possible intent, and fatal neglect, as well as fraud related to pension payments.

According to police spokesperson statements on MEGA TV’s Live News, investigators must determine whether the death involved foul play, whether accomplices were involved, the extent of the fraud, and how many years the pension was illegally claimed. Forensic experts are also tasked with establishing the exact time of death.

Financial Motive and Property Holdings

The suspect, who worked as a head of a Citizens’ Service Center (KEP), reportedly earned €1,700 net per month. By also collecting her late mother’s €1,400 in pension, supplementary benefits, and allowances, she allegedly received around €3,100 monthly.

She also appears to own a 322 m² property in Alexandroupolis, her birthplace, from where she moved away in 2007.

Investigation at the Burial Site

On Tuesday afternoon, the prosecutor and the head of the Tanagra Security Department inspected the location where the woman admitted burying her 91-year-old mother. She initially claimed the pit was dug with a worker’s help to install a boiler.

Forensic pathologist Grigoris Leon suggested the possibility that the elderly woman may have been buried alive, since no medical confirmation of death was obtained prior to burial.

Conflicting accounts have emerged: villagers say they had not seen the mother since 2020, while the suspect insists she died in August 2023. The suspect’s son told police he had not seen his grandmother for several years.

Mystery Over Father’s Will

Further questions have arisen following the discovery of a handwritten will left by the suspect’s father, who also died in the same house. Just 20 days before his death, he bequeathed his property—including three plots of land, two with olive trees (the largest 13 acres)—to his grandson rather than his daughter.

Disciplinary Action and Workplace Complaints

The 62-year-old has been placed on suspension by the Municipal Council of Dilesi, where she worked. Colleagues reportedly complained of her frequent sick leaves, which disrupted the operation of the local KEP office.

According to Panagiotis Kochylis, former president of the KEP workers’ union, multiple complaints had been filed against her by colleagues long before this case came to light.