Hungarian fraudster caught in Milan; gas‑linked robberies target tourists in Italy

A 73‑year‑old Hungarian man known in his home country as “Zala’s fake Jesus” was arrested by Italian police in Milan after fleeing Hungary. He had a pending arrest warrant for fraud, was previously sentenced to four years and six months in prison, and is now subject to an extradition process.

Separately, Hungarian tourists in Italy have fallen victim to a series of robberies in which thieves use anesthetic gas, allegedly introduced through HVAC units, to incapacitate guests in holiday apartments. Victims reported stolen cash, jewelry and other valuables in locations such as Bibione and Lignano. Police say they receive daily complaints and are investigating the coordinated crime wave.