started · updated
Fideuram bank loses 95 million euros to WhatsApp and AI scam
Criminals used WhatsApp messages and artificial intelligence to impersonate high-ranking executives, resulting in the fraudulent transfer of approximately 95 million euros from the Italian private bank Fideuram.
According to reports from Reuters, the scam targeted Paolo Molesini, then a member of Fideuram’s board. The attackers sent a WhatsApp message appearing to be from Carlo Messina, the CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo, requesting assistance with an overseas transaction. This was followed by a phone call where the scammers used AI to clone the voice of a partner from a well-known law firm.
As a result of these instructions, a series of transfers were made to accounts located primarily in China and Hong Kong. While international authorities have assisted in recovering a significant portion of the funds, approximately 36 million euros remain missing and may have been converted into crypto assets. Milan prosecutors are currently investigating similar fraudulent activities involving other banks in the region.
Entities
Carlo Messina · China · Fideuram · Intesa Sanpaolo · Paolo Molesini · WhatsApp
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] About 36 million euros remain missing. www.teknoblog.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Criminals used WhatsApp messages and AI-cloned voices to trick a bank manager into transferring funds. www.techbook.de · www.teknoblog.com
- [DISPUTED] The funds were primarily transferred to accounts in China and Hong Kong. www.techbook.de · www.teknoblog.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A portion of the 95 million euros has been recovered through international cooperation. www.techbook.de · www.teknoblog.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 95 million euros were transferred to overseas accounts. www.techbook.de · www.teknoblog.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The scammers impersonated Intesa Sanpaolo CEO Carlo Messina via WhatsApp. www.techbook.de · www.teknoblog.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The voice used in the fraudulent phone call was imitated using artificial intelligence. www.techbook.de · www.teknoblog.com