92-Year-Old Italian Man Killed During Fake Carabiniere Scam, Two Arrested

Overview of the Crime

On October 27, a 92-year-old man in Milan became the target of a "fake carabiniere" scam. He was violently attacked and died the following day in the hospital. Investigation revealed that his death resulted from head trauma, not accidental causes as initially believed.

How the "Fake Carabiniere" Scam Works

This scam involves fraudsters impersonating police or Carabinieri (Italian military police) through phone calls or in-person visits. They claim the victim is involved in a criminal matter and demand money, jewelry, or valuables. The scheme relies on creating psychological pressure and urgency to bypass the victim's natural skepticism.

Details of This Case

The two suspects operated as a team: one acted as a lookout while the other entered the victim's home, used violence, and stole jewelry and valuables. Surveillance footage documented their actions. Notably, there were no signs of forced entry—the elderly man had let them in of his own volition.

Police discovered a handwritten note on the victim's kitchen table that read: "no clothing related to the operation" and "no weapons related to the operation." This devastating evidence suggests the victim had been psychologically manipulated into complete submission by the perpetrators.

Pattern of Criminal Activity

The two arrested individuals are serial fraudsters. About ten days after the Milan incident, they attempted a similar scam in Varese province against an 81-year-old woman, posing as financial police this time and stealing approximately €50,000 worth of gold jewelry. They were briefly released after that arrest but were re-detained when their connection to the Milan murder was discovered.

Investigators suspect the suspects are part of a larger organized network that pre-selects elderly victims through research before the scammers make contact.

How Elderly People Can Protect Themselves

Verify Phone Calls: If you receive a call from police or authorities claiming an emergency, hang up and call the official number directly to confirm it is legitimate.

Question Unexpected Visitors: Genuine police do not demand money or valuables via unsolicited visits. Always verify the identity of visitors before opening your door.

Consult Family Members: If you receive demands for money or valuables, do not act immediately. Discuss the situation with family or trusted friends first.

Enhance Security Measures: Installing security cameras, reinforced locks, and alarm systems can deter criminals.

Reporting and Support

In Italy, victims or potential victims can report scams to the Carabinieri or local consumer protection authorities. Those in other countries should contact their local police fraud department.