Cousin forged signature to cheat charity out of legacy
A man who faked a relative’s will in a bid to cheat a humanitarian medical charity out of a “colossal” legacy faces proceedings to claw back any crime profits.
Paul Coppola admitted forging his cousin's signature
Paul Coppola got a payout from his second cousin’s estate but later admitted forging the deceased’s signature and said he did not agree cash should be left to Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF).
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard he was close to Desiderio Coppola, who signed a will in July 2010 appointing friend Christopher Ferrard and his solicitor as executors.
He bequeathed various amounts to friends and family, including £100,000 to Coppola.
He also gave instructions to pay the residue of the estate to MSF, which provides medical aid in war-torn regions.
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard he was close to Desiderio Coppola
She was of the opinion that the changes to the will reflected the accused’s allegiances
But after Desiderio’s death in 2011 Coppola called a god-daughter of the deceased, Elvira Fearn, to tell her about a new “will”.
Fiscal depute Ann MacNeill said: “She was of the opinion that the changes to the will reflected the accused’s allegiances rather than the wishes of the deceased.”
In June 2012 confirmation of the will was granted and a total of £1.2million was paid out.
In March 2013 Coppola received a property in Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, which he sold for £290,000.
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He also got a property in the city’s Waterloo Place.
But MSF raised an -action at the Court of -Session in Edinburgh to have the “will” set aside after being alerted by Mr Ferrard’s lawyers. Coppola did not defend it.
Police began an investigation and Coppola, 65, admitted he had forged the signature.
He pled gulty to obtaining £300,000 and two properties by fraud and attempting to obtain the residue of the estate by drafting a will and forging the signature.
He will be sentenced later.