From 'Lupin and Margot', shopping in Sorrento with counterfeit banknotes: arrested

Sorrento – It was the nightlife and shopping season, with the streets of the historic center packed with residents and tourists. But the stroll of "Lupin and Margot"—the couple targeted by investigators for previous criminal raids—was short-lived.

Word of mouth quickly spread among local shopkeepers: two suspicious customers were attempting to launder counterfeit banknotes by purchasing small items.

The precedent: when they stole e-bikes

This isn't the first time the local news has spotlighted this dynamic duo, nicknamed after famous people for their daring heists. In recent months, the two were involved in another daring series of thefts, hitting the headlines for the notorious e-bike theft incident in the area. This criminal pedigree prompted the Carabinieri to immediately step up their patrols as soon as the alarm was raised.

The Carabinieri raid and the takeaway drink scam

Officers from the local station, engaged in patrolling the area, immediately began tracking down the suspects. The investigation quickly came to fruition: a shopkeeper rushed to the Carabinieri, reporting that she had just been the victim of an attempted scam.

The couple had entered to buy a takeaway drink for just 10 euros, but they showed a clearly counterfeit 50 euro note and pocketed 40 euros in change in good money.

The search and arrest

After gathering their descriptions and statements, the Carabinieri closed in on the 37-year-old and the 22-year-old. During the quick search, which also included the young woman's purse, officers found another 50-euro bill, clearly counterfeit. The two were immediately arrested and charged with spending and possessing counterfeit banknotes. By order of the Judicial Authority, they are now under house arrest pending the validation of their convictions.