Woman arrested after hiding mother's death to collect pension
A shocking case of benefit fraud and concealment of death has come to light in Greece, as a 62-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly burying her deceased mother in her backyard to continue receiving her pension and disability allowance.
According to police reports, the woman is accused of hiding the death of her 91-year-old mother, who is believed to have passed away during the summer of 2023. Rather than reporting the death to authorities, she secretly buried the body in a shallow grave near their home and continued to receive monthly payments from the state.
The suspect, who reportedly confessed to the crime, is expected to appear before the Prosecutor of Thiva. She also indicated the involvement of a second person, believed to be an accomplice, though she has not revealed their identity.
Suspicion raised by unusual behavior
The case began to unravel when members of the local community noticed suspicious behavior. The 62-year-old had stopped appearing in the village and was reportedly introducing another woman as her mother. Concerned acquaintances notified authorities, triggering an investigation that led to the gruesome discovery.
Forensic examinations are underway, while authorities are also examining financial records to assess the full extent of the fraudulent payments collected during the period.
A case that shocks and saddens
The case has sparked widespread shock across Greece, highlighting issues of economic desperation, elder abuse, and the vulnerabilities within the welfare system.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the mother’s death, while searching for the alleged accomplice.
