Bergamo – Another scam on the move, carried out by an alleged seller of electric generators that turned out to be defective and counterfeit. At the center of the investigation coordinated by the Bergamo Public Prosecutor's Office is a 37-year-old originally from Naples, reported by the Carabinieri on charges of fraud, counterfeiting and selling products with false markings, including the European 'CE' mark.
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The investigation was triggered by complaints from two defrauded customers: a 55-year-old and a 65-year-old who had purchased petrol generators from the man, which later turned out to be seriously malfunctioning and well below the promised performance.
In June, two citizens aged 55 and 65 reported the purchase of generators paid 1.200 and 400 euros respectively, which were later found to be defective and with performances much lower than those declared.
The reports triggered a search operation coordinated by the Carabinieri of Clusone, who intercepted the suspect on July 1st aboard a light-colored Citroen DS7.
During the check, twenty credit cards from various banking institutions and three generators of a well-known brand, identical to those involved in the scams, were found inside the vehicle, accompanied by an invoice certifying their purchase for just over 100 euros each.
The raid on the B&B on the outskirts of Milan
The Carabinieri tracked down the scammer by following the trail of payments and raided a B&B in Casarile, in the Milanese belt, where the 37-year-old was staying. In a suitcase hidden in the room, 30 thousand euros in cash were found, while inside a relevant box, two generators and documents were found that would attest to a prolonged scam activity in various locations in Northern Italy.
The man, according to what emerged, was constantly moving around to sell his goods, evading controls for long periods thanks to the use of short-term accommodation facilities.
The investigation therefore highlights a worrying phenomenon: that of "traveling" scammers, who move between regions to target unsuspecting victims, often customers attracted by apparently advantageous offers published on online platforms or in paper advertisements.
The owner of the facility was also investigated
The owner of the B&B also got into trouble, accused of aiding and abetting and reported for not having correctly registered the guest in the facility, violating the regulations on the obligations of hospitality businesses. A circumstance that actually favored the illicit actions of the 37-year-old.
The investigations are now continuing to verify the suspect's involvement in other similar episodes and to ascertain any accomplices. Investigators in fact hypothesize a series of serial frauds, extended to other provinces of Lombardy and perhaps even beyond.
The Phenomenon of “Digital Nomad” Scammers
The investigation raises the alarm on a growing phenomenon: small criminal groups operating as “digital nomads,” exploiting the internet to sell fake or defective products and moving rapidly from one area to another to avoid detection. The use of cash, temporary structures and fictitious identities makes them particularly difficult to identify and stop.
Last week another Neapolitan was reported in the province of Biella in Piedmont for the fraudulent sale of generatori elettrici defective.
For law enforcement, this is a silent emergency that affects ordinary citizens, often pensioners or workers attracted by low prices and unaware of the real characteristics of the products purchased.
Article published on 4 July 2025 - 20:34
This is really worrying, it seems that there are more and more scammers using the internet to sell defective things. People should be careful and check carefully before buying, otherwise they end up with objects that do not work.
I agree with what you said, it is important to be vigilant when buying products online. I have also heard stories of people being scammed, especially older people who can be more vulnerable to these scams.