92-Year-Old Man Dies During Fake Police Scam in Milan, Two Young Men Arrested for Murder

Overview of the Case

On October 27, 2026, an attempted scam targeting an elderly person in Milan, Italy escalated into murder. The victim was a 92-year-old retired Alfa Romeo technician living alone in his apartment.

The Scam Method: "Fake Police Officer" Fraud

The suspects used a technique known as the "fake carabiniere" scam—a widespread fraud against elderly people in Italy. In this scheme, scammers call their victims impersonating members of the Italian military police (Carabinieri) or financial police, claiming an investigation requires the victim to produce cash and valuables. Through psychological manipulation and convincing storytelling, elderly victims are pressured into cooperation. The scam can progress from attempted fraud to robbery or worse when perpetrators appear at the victim's residence.

Evidence and Circumstances

Police found the victim on the apartment floor in semi-conscious condition with severe head trauma. His bedroom had been ransacked, with gold jewelry, wedding rings, and other valuables stolen. Critically, investigators discovered a handwritten note on the kitchen table bearing the victim's handwriting. The note contained phrases such as "not in possession of any clothing related to the crime" and "not in possession of weapons related to the crime."

Prosecutors cited this note as "highly emblematic evidence" of the victim's complete psychological subjugation by the perpetrators. Phone records from the victim's mobile phone documented incoming calls of 8 minutes and 23 minutes duration after 1 PM on October 27—made shortly before the suspects arrived at his door.

The Perpetrators and Criminal Pattern

Two Egyptian nationals, ages 19 and 24, were arrested. Security camera footage documented that one acted as a lookout ("palo") while the other forcibly entered the apartment, violently assaulted the victim, and stole valuables.

Approximately ten days after this murder, both suspects were arrested in nearby Varese Province for an attempted scam against an 81-year-old woman. In that incident, they impersonated financial police and attempted to steal gold jewelry valued at approximately €50,000. After arraignment, they were released under judicial supervision before their involvement in the 92-year-old's death became apparent.

Evidence of Organized Criminal Networks

Investigators are examining whether the two perpetrators were part of a broader criminal organization systematizing scams against elderly victims. Supporting evidence includes parallel cases:

• Rome: Two female impersonators arrested for defrauding a pensioner of €200,000
• Udine: Multiple arrests following fake police officer scams investigated by the Padua mobile police unit

These incidents suggest organized criminal networks are coordinating serial fraud operations targeting seniors across Italy.

Warning Signs and How to Protect Yourself

Red Flags of Fake Police Scams

• Unexpected phone calls from someone claiming to be police or military police
• Requests for cash or jewelry withdrawal under time pressure
• Vague explanations like "verification needed" or "investigation underway"
• Instructions not to discuss the matter with family members
• Unsolicited visits to your home following an initial phone call

Prevention Strategies

• Verify through official channels: If you receive a suspicious police call, hang up and call the official police number directly
• Inform trusted family: Always report unusual contacts to family members or trusted friends immediately
• Demand identification: Require visitors to show official credentials and call the police directly to verify their legitimacy
• Maintain distance: Do not allow entry until identity is confirmed
• Keep records: Document dates, times, and details of suspicious calls or visits
• Use security measures: Install door viewers, chain locks, and intercom systems if possible

Reporting Suspicious Activity

If you experience or witness a suspected scam:

• Contact your local police station (Carabinieri or Polizia di Stato)
• Report to the National Anti-Fraud Center (varies by region)
• Notify local elder care services

Prompt reporting protects you and helps authorities dismantle criminal networks targeting vulnerable populations.