How did a dead woman’s pension pay for 20 years?

A Costa Rican man, identified only as Abarca, is under investigation for allegedly misusing a deceased North American woman's pension for over two decades. The woman, named Collins, died in 2005 after living in a care home in Costa Rica since 1999. Prosecutors allege that Abarca, who managed the care home, used false documents to submit claims to the California State Teachers' Retirement System, falsely representing his legal authority to handle Collins' affairs.

Authorities estimate at least $800,000 was withdrawn from the pension between 2006 and 2026. The case highlights potential issues with pension account management when death is not promptly recognized and communicated between institutions in different countries. Costa Rican authorities and the California pension system are investigating the case, which could continue with the potential recovery of the alleged funds.