Shocking Twist in Love Story: Is This Man's Passion for a 104-Year-Old Widow a Deceitful Scam? Here's Why He's Being Deported!

In a tale that seems to have been plucked straight from the pages of a dramatic novel, a 48-year-old Estonian lawyer, Mart Soeson, finds himself at the center of a controversial love story with a 104-year-old Australian widow, Elfriede Riit. This unconventional romance has captured the attention of the Australian Department of Home Affairs, leading to a decision that could see Soeson deported.


Mart Soeson's quest for a permanent residency visa in Australia took an unexpected turn when he claimed to be in a romantic relationship with Elfriede Riit, a centenarian who had previously been married to Soeson's maternal grandfather. The couple's connection began when Soeson, then a student, was invited to stay at Riit's home in Bankstown in 1996. Over the years, their bond reportedly grew from a simple friendship to something much deeper.


compressed-elder couple.jpeg
A supposedly happy ending took a wrong turn for Mart Soeson, as he could face deportation. Image Credit: Pexels/Magda Ehlers


Soeson's narrative is one of a love that transcended the boundaries of age and convention. He described a relationship that blossomed over repeated visits to Australia, culminating in a mutual recognition of their feelings for each other. According to Soeson, their love was expressed through cooking, physical closeness, and shared activities, despite never having shared a bed or engaged in sexual intimacy.


However, the Department of Home Affairs was not convinced. In December 2018, they rejected Soeson's visa application, citing doubts about the genuineness of his commitment to Riit. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal later affirmed this decision, stating that the pair did not demonstrate 'a mutual commitment to a shared life to the exclusion of all others' and that their relationship was not 'genuine and continuing' at the time of Riit's death.

The tribunal's scrutiny revealed several inconsistencies and peculiarities in the relationship. For instance, Soeson sometimes referred to himself as Riit's grandson in official dealings, and others often mistook Riit for his grandmother rather than his partner. These factors, combined with the absence of sexual intimacy and shared living arrangements, led to skepticism about the true nature of their bond.

Soeson's mother even suggested that her son might be 'sapiosexual', attracted to Riit's intellect, but the tribunal dismissed this claim due to the lack of intimacy and discussion on the subject between the couple. Despite Soeson's assertions that their relationship was romantic and committed, the tribunal found insufficient evidence to support his claims.


The story raises questions about the nature of love and partnership, and how they are recognized legally and socially. It also touches on the sensitive issue of immigration and the lengths to which individuals might go to secure residency. Soeson's case is particularly complex, given the significant age gap and the familial connection through his grandfather.

As Soeson faces the possibility of deportation, one cannot help but ponder the intricacies of human relationships and the challenges they face under the scrutiny of the law. Whether Soeson's love for Riit was genuine or a strategic move to remain in Australia, the truth remains elusive, obscured by the shadows of doubt cast by officials.
Key Takeaways

  • A 48-year-old Estonian lawyer, Mart Soeson, has been denied an Australian visa after officials did not believe he was in a genuine and continuing relationship with a 104-year-old Australian widow, Elfriede Riit.
  • The relationship began when Soeson was invited to stay at Riit's home in 1996 and developed over the years with follow-up visits, eventually becoming romantic in 2013.
  • The Administrative Appeals Tribunal upheld the Department of Home Affairs’ decision, stating that there was insufficient evidence of a mutually committed shared life between Soeson and Riit.
  • Despite Soeson's claim that he was dedicated to Riit and that they had an emotional and intellectual relationship, the fact that they never shared a bed, did not have a sexual relationship, and their significant age gap contributed to the decision that their partnership was not genuine in the context of immigration laws.
Members of the Seniors Discount Club, we invite you to share your thoughts on this perplexing story. Have you ever encountered a love story that defied the norms? What do you think about the tribunal's decision to deport Soeson? Join the conversation and let us know your views in the comments below.
 
Sponsored
I think this man is trying to get his ticket to stay in Australia. This lady is his Grandmother by marriage. It's not right. Nothing about it is right.
Poor darling lady probably believes he is romantically in love with her.
I can hope he is for real, but l don't think so.
Kind regards to all Vicki
 
Obviously not a normal relationship. Don’t need to make things more problematic with these sorts of proclamations. seems to me to be a load of codswollup
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gsr
Poor lady if she believed the stories he may have spun her. He is less than half her age & possibly thought with his legal background he had every base covered. I am so glad authorities stopped his application but don't say he may be deported, be positive & say he will be deported. Leave him in Australia he may try with another lady just to obtain residency.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×