Alessandro Proto has gained notoriety for deceiving media, entrepreneurs, and citizens, creating an empire of lies. The docufilm 'L’impostore – La storia di Alessandro Proto' airs on Sky Crime and NOW, recounting Proto's rapid rise and fall, showcasing the blurred line between ambition and fraud. This documentary, written by Marco Tursi and Egilde Verì, produced by Ballandi for Hearst Networks Italia, explores not just the story of a con artist but also the profound scars left on his victims, culminating in his arrest for defrauding a woman battling cancer.
Born in Lambrate and later moving to Val Seriana, Proto began his career selling encyclopedias door-to-door. In 2009, he claimed to have managed the sale of Villa Oleandra for George Clooney, which drew significant media attention. His audacity only grew from there as he founded the Proto Group, based in Galleria del Corso in Milan.
In 2012, Proto announced he had acquired 2.8% of Tod’s and was running for the presidency of Unicredit. He also boasted of gathering investors to purchase RCS. However, a journalistic investigation revealed that many of the individuals he cited either did not exist or had never responded to his claims. This pattern of deception continued until he was arrested for aggravated fraud against a cancer-stricken woman from whom he allegedly stole 130,000 euros, funds that were reportedly funneled into online gaming sites.
Proto's criminal history is extensive; he had previously been convicted of manipulation, fraud, and obstruction of regulatory authorities. His story serves as a cautionary tale about how the allure of success can lead individuals down a treacherous path, where ambition and deceit intertwine dangerously.
The docufilm 'L’impostore – La storia di Alessandro Proto' not only chronicles his rise from a mere door-to-door salesman to the head of an imaginary real estate empire but also highlights the victims of his schemes. Through direct testimonies, archival materials, and reconstructions, it sheds light on the mechanisms behind his complex web of lies.
Proto's rise to infamy is marked by his ability to charm the media and financial circles with nothing more than his words. He once stated, “Rule number one: to succeed, you don't need to do anything; just invent it and convince others that it's true.” This philosophy encapsulates his entire approach to life and business.
In 2010, Proto opened his first real estate consulting agency in Switzerland. Using a strategy that involved fictitious press releases, he managed to convince newspapers worldwide that he had sold properties for celebrities like George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio, and even participated in financial operations with figures like Warren Buffet.
His ambitions did not stop there; he attempted to climb the ranks of Italian football by vying for the presidency of Torino FC and even offered 150 million euros to buy La7. Additionally, he ran in the primaries for the PDL party. Yet, none of these claims were grounded in reality.
Proto's life is a stark reminder of the dangers of manipulation and deceit, showcasing how easily individuals can fall prey to a con artist's charm. His arrest in 2013 for fraud and market manipulation marked the beginning of the end for his fabricated empire.
In the aftermath of his legal troubles, Proto wrote a book titled 'Io sono l'impostore', detailing his experiences and reflecting on the choices that led him to a life of lies. His story has captured the public's imagination, not just for its audacity but also for the lessons it imparts about the fragile nature of trust and the consequences of betrayal.
The docufilm, airing on April 28, 2025, at 22:55 on Sky Crime, serves as both an exposé and a psychological exploration of a man whose life was built on deception. It raises questions about the nature of ambition and the ethical boundaries that many are willing to cross in pursuit of success.
As viewers tune in to watch 'L’impostore – La storia di Alessandro Proto', they are invited to reflect on the broader implications of Proto's actions. How does society respond to the allure of charisma and confidence, especially when cloaked in lies? What safeguards can be put in place to protect potential victims from falling into similar traps?
In a world where the line between truth and fiction can often become blurred, the story of Alessandro Proto serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in both personal and professional spheres. His rise and fall illustrate the consequences of a life devoid of honesty and the devastating impact it can have on others.
