Private Investigations: Housekeepers and Caregivers
In recent years, there has been a steady increase in crimes committed in the domestic work sector, particularly among those who provide assistance, care, and support to the elderly or other dependents (caregivers), as well as those responsible for household cleaning and maintenance (housekeepers). These offenses range from petty crimes such as theft, embezzlement, property damage, threats, private violence, and physical assault to more serious offenses including fraud, abuse, coercion, stalking, extortion, and beyond.
The majority of these crimes are offenses against property. The most common is theft, as defined under Article 624 of the Italian Penal Code. National statistics show a significant rise in thefts occurring inside the homes of families who employ domestic workers. These thefts often involve valuables such as jewelry, cash, or even basic groceries, anything that can be turned into financial gain. The constant presence of domestic staff in private residences, combined with easy access to property, creates a situation where, as the saying goes—“opportunity makes the thief.”
Often, thefts occur while the homeowners are away. Housekeepers and caregivers may take advantage of their knowledge of the household’s routines, schedules, and holiday absences to unlawfully enter the premises, actions that fall under the crime of unlawful trespassing (Article 614 of the Penal Code), which involves unauthorized entry into or unlawful stay within someone else’s home against the explicit or implicit will of the rightful owner.
Another frequent offense committed by domestic workers is fraud, covered under Article 640 of the Penal Code. Vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, or those requiring regular support, are often manipulated through deception and trickery. These individuals, often isolated and dependent, place their trust in caregivers, making them easy targets for exploitation, frequently by the caregiver or by accomplices.
Closely related to fraud is the crime of exploitation of vulnerable individuals, governed by Article 643 of the Penal Code. This applies when the victim suffers from mental, physical, or psychological weakness, which is then abused to unduly influence their decisions. This can result in acts such as granting power of attorney, opening joint bank accounts, signing costly contracts, transferring assets, or even altering wills.
In recent years, new crimes have emerged in the domestic sector, including stalking, classified under Article 612-bis of the Penal Code. Stalking now accounts for approximately 20% of crimes in domestic work, with reported cases increasing by nearly 50% between 2016 and 2017 and current figures are likely underreported. In many cases, once the employment relationship ends, former domestic workers begin to harass or threaten their ex-employers and their families. Stalking involves repeated acts of harassment, threats, or intimidation, which cause a persistent and serious state of anxiety, fear for personal safety, and disruption of psychological well-being for the victim and their close relatives.
Even more concerning is that many such incidents go unreported due to fear, shame, or direct threats from the perpetrators. In these circumstances, turning to a licensed private investigator or investigation agency can be crucial to gather solid evidence.
It is not uncommon for caregivers, after their employment ends, to contact the family of the deceased client and demand large sums of money, despite already having been paid, threatening to report false claims such as underpayment or lack of payment to the authorities. These actions often amount to extortion, as defined under Article 629 of the Penal Code. Because many of these working arrangements are informal or partially off the books, families may choose to comply with the demands to avoid legal complications—especially during emotionally vulnerable times, such as after the loss of a loved one.
Moving beyond crimes against property, cases of abuse and mistreatment by domestic workers are also increasingly reported—with national media frequently covering such incidents. However, proving these acts is often difficult for the victim or their relatives. In such cases, it becomes essential to rely on a certified investigation agency like Argo Investigazioni, which uses its team of qualified private investigators to gather legally admissible evidence.
Italian case law (jurisprudence) has increasingly classified such acts under Article 572 of the Penal Code: “Mistreatment of Family Members or Cohabitants.” It is sufficient for there to be a stable cohabitation, even if derived from an employment relationship, to charge a domestic worker with mistreatment. Caregivers and housekeepers are often deeply embedded in the family environment due to their constant presence and caregiving roles.
According to recent rulings by the Italian Supreme Court, mistreatment can result not only from active abuse (e.g., oppressive or humiliating behavior), but also from intentional neglect, where deliberate indifference to the victim’s needs leads to physical or psychological suffering. For example, if a caregiver deliberately ignores basic needs, causing distress or harm, they may be held liable. In such situations, employing an experienced investigative agency becomes essential to document and prove the neglect.
These offenses are not always easy to uncover. Victims, especially vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, may endure abuse in silence out of fear, shame, or simply because they cannot afford to lose essential assistance.
Argo, through its team of certified private investigators, provides targeted support by collecting irrefutable evidence that can be used in court. Our discreet, lawful, and professional approach ensures that our clients receive the protection and justice they deserve.