Catania Man Arrested for Fraud on Elderly Using Fake Carabinieri Ruse

A 23‑year‑old man from Catania was detained by Carabinieri in Mascalucia, Sicily, after being identified as the perpetrator of an aggravated fraud targeting an elderly woman from Rodì Milici. The suspect called the victim, posing as a Carabinieri marshal and claimed a financial officer would arrive to inspect jewelry allegedly linked to a recent robbery. He then visited the victim’s home, obtained jewelry worth over €5,000, and was arrested following an investigation coordinated by the Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto prosecutor’s office.

The court ordered a custodial measure, and the suspect is being held at the Catania penitentiary. Authorities emphasized the importance of reporting such scams promptly and warned the public against requests for money or valuables from individuals claiming to be law‑enforcement officers.