Naples Swindlers Apprehended in Milan After Targeting Elderly, Accumulating 70,000 Euros in Stolen Goods
Milan, February 13th – A trio of swindlers from Naples, specializing in preying on the elderly, was arrested in Milan on Wednesday, February 12th, after successfully executing two scams that netted them approximately 70,000 euros in jewelry, sentimental items, and cash. The arrests were made by local police following a report concerning their distinctive white and red Citroën C3.
The Modus Operandi: Impersonation and Deception
The gang employed a sophisticated ‘fake persona’ technique, posing as various officials such as experts, police officers, or gas technicians to gain entry into their victims’ homes. Their operations extended across northern Italy, with Milan serving as a temporary base from a local B&B.
One of the victims, an 85-year-old woman whose 92-year-old husband is an invalid, recounted her harrowing experience. The swindler, after collecting all her jewelry – a bracelet, a locket, a watch, and a parure – brazenly asked, “Don’t you have anything else?” Under duress, she was compelled to remove her wedding ring, which was then added to the stolen haul. The victim was left in a state of profound shock.
A Day of Crime: From Imperia to Rogoredo
On the day of their arrest, the group committed two separate acts of fraud. The first, a violent incident, occurred in the morning in Imperia. An 88-year-old woman, growing suspicious, had her valuables forcibly snatched, resulting in her falling and breaking two ribs.
The second incident took place in the afternoon in Rogoredo, Milan. Police intercepted the suspects’ vehicle at Rogoredo station. On board were Salvatore Criscuolo, an 18-year-old from Naples with a history of fraud charges, and S.C., a 33-year-old Neapolitan woman. The third accomplice, 24-year-old S.P., also from Naples, was apprehended later in Lampugnano.
Police Intervention and Victim Testimonies
Inside Criscuolo’s bag, officers found the loot from the Rogoredo scam, which had occurred just an hour prior. The victim of this scam informed the local police, led by Commander Gianluca Mirabelli, that the swindler had identified himself as a police officer during a preceding phone call. He claimed that her husband’s car had been used in a robbery and that their daughter was being held at the police station for clarification. To verify that their jewelry was not stolen, they needed to be inspected.
The rest of the stolen goods, including those taken from the morning’s incident in Imperia, were discovered in the car. The total value of the stolen items from both incidents amounted to 70,000 euros.
The Suspects and Their Backgrounds
Salvatore Criscuolo, despite his young age, already has a record of similar fraud offenses. The group’s willingness to travel for their criminal activities highlights their calculated and organized approach to targeting vulnerable individuals.
Impact and Ongoing Investigations
The arrests bring a temporary halt to the activities of this particular group, but the incidents underscore the ongoing problem of scams targeting elderly citizens. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of their operations and to warn the public, especially the elderly, to be vigilant against such deceptive tactics.
The quick response of the Milan local police was crucial in apprehending the perpetrators and preventing further harm to the community.
