45-year-old detained for posing as magistrate in fraud targeting Messina pensioner

The Carabinieri of the Roccalumera and Giampilieri stations arrested a 45‑year‑old man from Siracusa after he pretended to be a magistrate and convinced a 77‑year‑old pensioner in Messina to deliver cash and jewelry. The victim was told the items were needed for checks related to a robbery in Messina and handed over roughly €2,000 and several gold rings.

The suspect was located near the Roccalumera highway toll while attempting to flee in a small car. Police recovered the cash and the gold rings, placed the man under house arrest, and handed him over to the judicial authorities. Officials urged citizens, especially the elderly, to be skeptical of unexpected phone calls from self‑identified officials and to contact emergency services at 112 for verification.