The Carabinieri of the Provincial Command of Reggio Calabria, assisted by colleagues from Genoa and Caserta, have put an end to the activities of a dangerous criminal organization specialized in scams against the elderly.
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The operation, called “Game Over”, led to the arrest of three individuals: a forty-four-year-old man and his two twenty-year-old sons, all residents of the Caserta area.
The handcuffs were snapped on in various locations between Genoa and Castel Volturno, in execution of a precautionary custody order issued by the GIP of Locri.
The gang, well structured and organised, took advantage of the vulnerability of people elderly, aged between 75 and 81, staging the so-called “carabiniere scam”.
The Carabiniere Scam Implemented Throughout Italy
With disconcerting coldness, the criminals contacted the victims by telephone, pretending to be carabinieri or lawyers. In an alarmed tone, they informed the victims of a serious road accident involving a relative of theirs, currently under arrest.
To avoid the arrest of the relative, the criminals induced the victims to hand over large sums of money or precious jewelry. Subsequently, an accomplice showed up at the victim's home to collect the stolen goods, taking advantage of the state of agitation and confusion induced by the fake emergency.
The investigations, conducted by the Carabinieri of the Bovalino Station, revealed a sophisticated and proven modus operandi. Through careful analysis of video surveillance footage, GPS tracking of rental cars and telephone records, the military were able to reconstruct the gang's criminal activities in great detail. The cell phones used to contact the victims were registered to foreign front men, a ploy designed to mislead the investigation.
In six months a loot of 70 thousand euros
Thanks to patient and meticulous investigative work, the Carabinieri were able to connect several criminal episodes, demonstrating the existence of a well-established and dangerous criminal organization. Between January and June 2024, the gang stole approximately 70.000 euros from the victims. A significant portion of the loot was recovered and returned to its rightful owners.
The collaboration between the various territorial branches of the Carabinieri and the fundamental testimony of the victims allowed the dismantling of this dangerous criminal organization.
Operation “Game Over” represents an important achievement in the fight against elder scams, a constantly growing phenomenon that profoundly impacts the safety and peace of mind of our elders.
Article published on 19 October 2024 - 08:22
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