Fraud investigations reported in Chile and Argentina

In Chile, a woman in Curicó, Ketty de las Mercedes Castro Cáceres, faced trial for concealing her mother's mummified body for several years to continue collecting pensions and benefits. The investigation revealed that Castro used false documentation to access funds from the Caja de Previsión de la Defensa Nacional (Capredena) and obtained benefits from ChileAtiende during the pandemic. After a year-long suspension to evaluate her mental competency, the court determined she was fit for trial, with a final sentence scheduled for September 25.

In Argentina, authorities are investigating a suspected fraudulent marriage involving a terminally ill man in Coronda. Family members allege that a caregiver and a civil registry official facilitated a legal union and subsequent marriage for a man who was bedridden, on high-potency opioids, and unable to provide consent. The investigation is examining potential ideological falsehood, crimes against civil status, and attempted fraud against legitimate heirs.