Mirabella Imbaccari fake police scam foiled, suspect arrested

In Mirabella Imbaccari, Sicily, carabinieri stopped a 35‑year‑old man from Palagonia who was impersonating a police officer and attempting to convince an 80‑year‑old resident to hand over cash or valuables. The suspect was identified during a routine traffic check after a suspicious Lancia Ypsilon was found in the town centre. When taken to the police station for identification, he tried to flee on foot but was apprehended after a short chase.

Investigators seized his mobile phone and discovered he had provided false personal details and violated a court‑ordered residence restriction. He was charged with resisting a public official, false statements to officials, and breaching judicial measures, and was transferred to the prison in Caltagirone.