An Italian man has been charged with fraud after allegedly pretending to be completely blind for more than five decades, collecting over €1 million in disability payments.
Caught After Decades
The 70-year-old, from Vicenza in northern Italy, was officially declared blind following a workplace accident in the 1970s. Authorities recently began reviewing long-term welfare cases and noticed irregularities in his file.
A two-month surveillance operation revealed the man performing everyday tasks without assistance, including gardening with power tools, shopping, and moving around unaided. Prosecutors say the footage contradicts his certified blindness.
Legal Trouble Ahead
He now faces charges of fraud against the state, with his benefits suspended pending trial. Due to time limits on prosecution, only the last five years, worth about €200,000, can be reclaimed. Investigators are also conducting a tax audit to trace how the money was used.
Not an Isolated Case
The story echoes similar fraud cases worldwide. In the US, a veteran named John Paul Cook was sentenced after falsely claiming blindness for 30 years, receiving nearly US$1 million in disability payments. Surveillance and licence renewals exposed the deception.
Hard Lessons for Welfare Systems
Experts say the case highlights flaws in disability oversight, especially for conditions that rely on subjective assessments like blindness. Long-term benefits often escape review, making prolonged fraud difficult to detect.
Authorities hope this investigation will prompt tighter checks, and restore confidence in systems meant to protect those genuinely in need.
