In Italy , over the past 24 years, Barbara Ioele, 50, has applied for maternity benefits 17 times but has never actually given birth to a child.
According to the records this woman submitted to the authorities, after 17 pregnancies, she lost 12 babies shortly after birth. The five children currently living with her are named Benedetta, Angelica, Abramo, Letizia, and Ismaele.
However, there are no records indicating that they were registered at birth, and neighbors say they have never met any of Barbara's children.
In late December 2023, Barbara was believed to have given birth to her youngest child. However, local authorities stated that they had monitored her throughout her pregnancy and had sufficient evidence to confirm that Barbara was never pregnant.
Investigators allege that this person falsely claimed to have been pregnant 17 times and forged medical certificates to fraudulently obtain 110,000 euros in benefits.
A 50-year-old Italian woman is accused of faking pregnancies 17 times to receive maternity benefits totaling 110,000 euros over 24 years. (Illustrative image: Odditycentral)
Barbara's case caused a sensation throughout Italy. Prosecutors claimed that the woman's sophisticated fraud was linked to a ring that stole birth certificates from clinics in Rome and forged doctors' signatures.
Davide Pizzinato, Barbara's 55-year-old boyfriend, admitted to knowing about her fraudulent activities since 2012, when their relationship began. He has been charged as an accomplice, but may receive a reduced sentence if he cooperates with the investigation.
As for Barbara, despite clear evidence against her, such as the non-existence of her five children, forged documents, and her boyfriend's testimony, she remained defiant. To evade questioning, she repeatedly presented documents proving her poor health.
However, she still faces a prison sentence for financial fraud, forgery, and other charges.
Minh Phuong (According to Odditycentral )
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