Milan - They stole from the dead and resold them to cash-in-gold shops. This is the chilling summary of the investigation opened by Milan's local police, involving six people, including former and current municipal employees of the Funeral and Cemetery Services Department.
The officers, coordinated by Commander Gianluca Mirabelli and Magistrates Bruna Albertini and Antonio Cristillo, are investigating at least six confirmed incidents of theft and receiving of jewelry belonging to the deceased.
The investigation began after several reports reached Palazzo Marino from family members who had noticed jewelry—rings, earrings, necklaces—disappearing from the bodies of their loved ones or from their apartments. In one of the most shocking cases, even the gold dentures of a woman who died in an accident were reportedly stolen.
At dawn on September 16, the "ghisa" (Italian mafia) searched the suspects' homes in the provinces of Milan and Lodi, collecting receipts from gold-buying shops in the capital and its hinterland.
Those documents, now being examined by investigators, could prove the resale of the stolen valuables.
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The investigations continue. Forensic analysis of computers and cell phones could reveal new evidence useful in reconstructing the network of contacts used to sell the stolen goods.
According to leaks, the thefts occurred both inside the municipal morgue in Piazzale Gorini and during body recovery operations in private homes.
Investigators suspect a veritable "system," established over the past two years and made possible by the lack of oversight during the most delicate phases of the funeral service. The suspected staff members allegedly took advantage of the most vulnerable situations: elderly people living alone, deceased people without relatives, or those in precarious circumstances—cases in which the loss of valuables could go unnoticed.
The investigations, still ongoing, paint a disturbing picture of corruption and cynicism in an environment where respect and dignity should be inviolable principles.
Investigators are now trying to shed full light on all possible incidents, while the Municipality is considering disciplinary action for the employees involved.
Comments (1)
What happened in Milan is truly shocking. The theft of deceased property is a despicable act. We hope the authorities will shed light on this matter and punish the perpetrators.