Ischia teen arrested for elderly robbery scam by Carabinieri

A 17‑year‑old from Orta di Atella was detained by Carabinieri in Ischia after being identified by an elderly victim. The teenager had pretended to be a police officer and stole €11,000 in cash and several gold jewellery items from the victim on 27 June.

Police investigations uncovered a second fraud attempt in the same area. A package containing €9,000 in cash and jewellery worth about €30,000 had been prepared for a false officer, but the operation was stopped when the teen’s smartphone revealed a live chat in which a hidden “phone operator” guided him via Google Maps to the victim’s home. The arrest broke the chain and prevented the second theft.

Authorities say the case illustrates a growing pattern of organised criminal groups exploiting minors as disposable hands for scams targeting isolated seniors. The suspect has been charged with aggravated fraud, and investigators are searching for the anonymous “phone operator” and any wider criminal network involved.