Naples - It goes without saying that a specialist in scamming the elderly is a true record holder, having committed 17 scams in just over a month, raking in some €400. It's unbelievable. e4, however, is true.
The Carabinieri of the Rome Porta Portese station discovered it this morning when, on behalf of the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office, they placed the handcuffs on a 25-year-old from Naples residing in Arzano.
He is accused of aggravated extortion, aggravated fraud, residential burglary, impersonation, and defrauding an incapacitated person to the detriment of the elderly, for a total of 17 criminal incidents that occurred in the city of Rome, from January to February 2023, against as many victims.
During the investigation, a search was also conducted at the suspect's home, where his cell phone was seized. Analysis of the data contained within revealed a series of references (photos of jewelry and routes taken) that confirmed the suspect's involvement in some of the alleged fraud incidents . Overall, the investigation allowed the investigators to reconstruct and document an illicit turnover of between €300.000 and €400.000.
The investigation, coordinated by the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office and launched in February 2023 following a victim's complaint, concluded in January 2024. Thanks to the analysis of telephone data, video surveillance images, and photographic identification of the victims, the Carabinieri gathered serious evidence against the young man.
He chose his victims between the ages of 75 and 91.
The 25-year-old, using a tried and tested modus operandi, posed as a “nephew in difficulty” or a “postal worker”, exploiting the vulnerability of elderly people between the ages of 75 and 91, often with medical conditions or physical limitations.
Under these pretexts, he gained their trust, managing to break into their homes and steal money and jewelry. The charges against him include aggravated extortion, aggravated fraud, residential burglary, impersonation, and defrauding an incompetent person.
The arrest represents a severe blow to a criminal network that has targeted the most vulnerable segments of the population, highlighting the commitment of law enforcement to combating a phenomenon that severely impacts the safety of the elderly.
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It's truly sad to see how this young man committed so many scams. It's inconceivable that there are people who exploit the vulnerability of the elderly. We hope he is punished for his actions. The safety of the elderly is important.