The Italian received a salary for 15 years, but never showed up for work: He earned about half a million euros

A hospital worker in Puglia was paid for the work for more than 15 years, despite never showing up for work, Italian police said on Wednesday.

Salvatore Scumace, 66, has been investigated for fraud, extortion and abuse of office, where during this period he has earned about half a million euros, reports ansa.

Six Italian superiors are also being investigated on suspicion of never taking action against him.

The management and staff at Puglia Ciaccio Hospital were named Nino Critelli (66), Vittorio Prejano (64), Maria Pia De Vito (68), Domenico Canino (62), Laura Fondacaro (52) and Antonio Mole (53) .

Investigations have shown that Scumace was hired at the hospital in 2005 but never went to work.