Padua – The State Police have launched a crackdown on the scourge of scams targeting the elderly. On the afternoon of Thursday, January 8th, officers from the Padua Police Headquarters' Flying Squad arrested two Neapolitans specializing in property crimes: a 35-year-old and a 48-year-old, both residents of the province of Naples and with a criminal record rife with similar escapades.
The operation was triggered by a lightning-fast intuition. A police officer, returning from duty, noticed a suspicious FIAT 500 parked along the coast, a few hundred meters away from her, while walking home. A check of the license plate revealed the vehicle had already been stopped in the previous days in various provinces of Northern Italy, carrying individuals dedicated to defrauding people over 70.
The unexpected chase. The Flying Squad is alerted, and a patrol arrives on the scene. The investigators, engaged in targeted anti-fraud surveillance, "lock on" the car and follow it every step of the way, all the way to a parking spot on a downtown street. There, the handcuffs snap on: the two are arrested on charges of defrauding an elderly person.
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The arrested individuals, known for their penchant for targeting the most vulnerable, operate amid growing concern over scams in the Veneto region and beyond. Investigations are continuing to clarify the victim's details and identify any possible accomplices. The Padua Police Headquarters is stepping up enforcement: "Enough with serial predators targeting grandparents," the police warn.
Changes and revisions to this article
- Article updated on 09/01/2026 at 11:25 PM - Content structure updated
- Article updated on 09/01/2026 at 11:31 PM - Content structure updated
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Comments (2)
It's good to see they're finally taking action against these scammers, but I hope this isn't just an isolated case and that they continue to carry out regular checks. The elderly deserve to be protected.
This is a major success for the State Police in stopping scams targeting the elderly. I hope these operations continue to protect grandparents. It's essential to feel safe in your own homes and know you have someone to protect you.