Bellinzona police arrest suspect in elderly ‘shock call’ fraud scheme

A 21-year-old Tunisian national residing in Italy has been arrested in connection with a series of ‘shock call’ scams targeting elderly individuals in the Bellinzona region. The suspect was apprehended on August 8, 2026, by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security on the A2 motorway near the Lugano South exit.

During the scams, which occurred in late July, perpetrators impersonated medical professionals. They pressured victims by claiming a relative was critically ill and required urgent payment for medical treatment, coercing them into handing over cash and valuables from their homes.

Authorities seized suspected stolen goods during a search of the suspect's vehicle. The individual faces charges of fraud and violations of the Federal Act on Foreign Nationals and Integration. The investigation is being led by prosecutor Veronica Lipari, and police have noted a recent increase in this specific type of fraudulent activity.