started · updated
Fideuram loses 95 million euros to AI-driven impersonation fraud
Fraudsters used artificial intelligence to impersonate high-level executives and a law firm partner to steal 95 million euros from Fideuram, a private banking subsidiary of the Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo.
The scheme began in February when then-chairman Paolo Molesini received a WhatsApp message appearing to be from Intesa Sanpaolo CEO Carlo Messina requesting urgent assistance with a confidential transaction. Attackers reportedly used AI to mimic the voice of a senior partner at a well-known law firm to confirm the instructions. Believing the request was legitimate, Molesini ordered transfers to accounts in China and Hong Kong.
Fideuram identified the irregularities and alerted international authorities. Through cooperation between officials in Italy, China, and Portugal, approximately 53 million euros were recovered. However, about 36 million euros remain missing after being moved through a network of foreign accounts and converted into cryptocurrencies.
Milan prosecutors have launched an investigation into a non-European citizen suspected of computer fraud. Molesini, who resigned in March citing personal reasons, and other Fideuram directors are not currently under investigation.
Entities
Carlo Messina · Fideuram · Intesa Sanpaolo · Milan Prosecutor's Office · Paolo Molesini
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Fideuram is a private banking subsidiary of the Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo. kumanovskimuabeti.mk · maribor24.si · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] Paolo Molesini resigned as chairman of the board in March, citing personal reasons. kumanovskimuabeti.mk · maribor24.si · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] The stolen funds were transferred to accounts in China and Hong Kong. kumanovskimuabeti.mk · maribor24.si · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 36 million euros remain missing after being converted into cryptocurrencies. kumanovskimuabeti.mk · maribor24.si · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] The fraud began in February when Paolo Molesini received a WhatsApp message appearing to be from Intesa Sanpaolo CEO Carlo Messina. kumanovskimuabeti.mk · maribor24.si · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] Authorities in China, Portugal, and Italy helped recover approximately 53 million euros. kumanovskimuabeti.mk · maribor24.si · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] Fraudsters used AI to impersonate executives and a law firm partner to steal 95 million euros from Fideuram. kumanovskimuabeti.mk · maribor24.si · www.vijesti.ba
- [● 3 SOURCES] Milan prosecutors have opened an investigation into a non-European citizen suspected of computer fraud. kumanovskimuabeti.mk · maribor24.si · www.vijesti.ba