Man fakes blindness for 53 years to claim 320 million in benefits

ITALY: Authorities in Italy have charged a 70-year-old man from Vicenza with fraud after he allegedly faked total blindness for over five decades to fraudulently collect more than one million euros in disability benefits.

The man began receiving payments 53 years ago, claiming he lost his sight in a workplace accident. However, doubts emerged during a recent review by Vicenza's financial police.

Investigators placed the man under surveillance and captured video footage that contradicted his claims. He was observed carrying out daily activities independently, such as gardening with sharp tools and inspecting items at local markets before making purchases.

Further evidence showed that he managed financial transactions on his own, indicating he was not visually impaired. The prosecutor’s office in Vicenza has charged him with fraud, and his disability pension has been suspended. Authorities are now working to recover the funds he illegally obtained.