Isn’t this a Hollywood myth? That is, the fake-the-death plot line to throw in a couple explosions in the film. I know this is pure speculation on my part, but I don’t see the government faking deaths to help someone disappear.
First of all, why would they need to go through all that trouble? Is the mobster APB that effective? Is the new identity so thinly created that it doesn’t stand up under scrutiny or searching? Or is it the case that (barring another plot device or the stupidity of the protected) once someone has a new identity they don’t need to worry about the mob’s constant vigilance? And wouldn’t the mob be a bit suspicious of someone’s death moments after the conclusion of the trial? Or if a gov informant died shortly after the Feds cracked down on the organization?
Next, I wonder about the capacity for the government to do this. Is there an Office of Fake Cadaver Procurement? Do Hollywood special effects technicians moonlight for the government? Wouldn’t it be easier and just as effective to file whatever paperwork is necessary to cancel Social Security numbers, etc?
And lastly, what if the government needs the witness again? Do they wait until after the trial and appeals process is over before giving the person a new identity? Seems an awfully long time to wait. If five years down the road Joe Mobster wins his appeal and the government is ordered to re-try the case, what then?
There are a few other minor points against the gov faking deaths, but those three are the ones I have the most trouble with. As I said, this is pure speculation on my part, so if anyone knows anything for certain (or has their own theory as to why the gov does fake deaths) share the dope.
As to the OP, another WAG here - Would the amount of debt held by a witness be part of the package? That is, wouldn’t the prosecutors have to decide if the testimony of the witness was worth that portion of the budget that it would cost the program to get the testimony? Or, what would stop the gov from arranging a debt consolidation loan for the witness? They would carry the debt with them in a new identity, albeit through different lenders. No loss to either the lenders or the government.
That is all I have to say for now. Thanks for listening,
Rhythmdvl
Once in a while you can get shown the light
in the strangest of places
if you look at it right…