A troubling fraud scheme has emerged involving impersonators of Guido Crosetto, Italy's Minister of Defence, who deceived wealthy individuals by soliciting substantial sums of money under false pretenses. The elaborate ruse has ensnared several high-profile figures from the realms of business and fashion, with victims describing the experience as disconcertingly believable.
The operation came to light when prominent businessman and former Inter Milan president, Massimo Moratti, disclosed his unintended involvement. According to Moratti, the impersonators, using sophisticated technology to replicate Crosetto’s voice, contacted their targets, presenting themselves as trusted officials seeking urgent assistance. "Questi sono bravi, nel senso che sembrava assolutamente tutto vero. Comunque può capitare, poi certo uno non se l'aspetta una roba di questo genere. Ma succede a tutti..." (These people are good, meaning it all seemed absolutely real. It can happen, of course, one doesn't expect something like this. But it happens to everyone...) he relayed to La Repubblica.
Since the scheme's inception, reported to have begun around February 4, 2025, numerous influential figures across Italy have been contacted. These include not only Moratti but also renowned fashion designer Giorgio Armani, Marco Tronchetti Provera, Diego Della Valle, and several influential families including the Aleottis, Berettas, and Caltagirones. Investigators have noted the shooting target list resembles the crème de la crème of the Italian business hierarchy.
The impersonators adopted advanced techniques, leveraging artificial intelligence to convincingly recreate the minister's voice and often including fictitious titles such as generals and secret aides to strengthen their credibility. Victims were alerted with script-like narratives: claims of Italian journalists being kidnapped abroad requiring immediate monetary assistance to secure their release. The con artists insisted these funds, often exceeding hundreds of thousands of euros, would be reimbursed through the Bank of Italy, fastening its grip on those contacted.
Moratti shared his experience with the fraudulent calls, recounting how he was drawn in by the apparent legitimacy of the request: "Hanno contattato anche me - preferirei non raccontare altro, vediamo come va avanti l'inchiesta" (They contacted me too - I would prefer not to say more, let’s see how the investigation progresses). He confirmed having filed a report after receiving numerous peculiar calls and being identified as one of the ‘victims’ of this elaborate plot.
Three calls were made under the guise of the minister’s name, and though many targeted individuals saw through the scam, it seems at least one person fell victim to the scheme, losing nearly one million euros. The circumstances surrounding the payments left victims feeling duped and increasingly cautious. Moratti’s admission serves as both cautionary and relatable, "Certo uno non se l'aspetta una roba di questo genere," (Of course one doesn’t expect something like this), he reiterated.
The ripple effect of this phishing operation is now shaking Italy's elite business sector, attracting scrutiny from the Milan prosecutor's office, which has initiated investigations aimed at both identifying the perpetrators and notifying other potential victims caught up in this burgeoning crisis. The prosecutor, Giovanni Tarzia, expressed concern for the growing list of individuals coming forward, stating they will be vigilant through the process of tracking down and halting fraudulent money transfers.
Victims lumped under this scam are now banding together to share their experiences, hoping to prevent others from falling to similar tactics. Media attention has emphasized the urgency for due diligence and peer caution. Meanwhile, Banca d'Italia has issued warnings, making it evident they are not associated with such dubious requests. Their advisory issued states, "Si sono verificati di recente alcuni tentativi di truffa che utilizzano indebitamente il nome e il logo della Banca d'Italia" (Recently, there have been attempts to scam using the name and logo of the Bank of Italy). Although many remained skeptical about any recovery of funds lost, hopes lingered as investigations lingered on.
The tale of the Crosetto impersonation fraud serves as another stark reminder of the sophistication and variables of modern scams thriving on the trust and vulnerabilities of high-profile individuals. Going forward, the continued investigation seeks justice and aims to safeguard the flocks of wealthy figures targeted by scammers masquerading as established and respected figures.