43-Year-Old Impersonating Carabinieri Arrested in Como for Defrauding 89-Year-Old Woman
COMO, March 3, 2026 – A 43-year-old man from Naples, with a history of prior offenses, was arrested yesterday afternoon in Como for aggravated fraud against an 89-year-old woman. The man was apprehended after successfully executing a scam using the ‘fake Carabinieri’ technique. The arrest was the result of a swift operation by law enforcement, working in collaboration with the Railway Police (Polfer) and the Italian Army.
Investigations and Monitoring of Elderly Scams
According to information released by the State Police, the arrest followed an intensive monitoring effort targeting scams against elderly individuals, a phenomenon that has unfortunately been on the rise recently. Agents from the Como Mobile Squad intensified checks and cross-referenced reports with ongoing investigations, leading to the identification of the suspect.
The Scammer’s Journey from Naples to Como
The 43-year-old, originally from and residing in Naples, traveled by train to Como to carry out his scheme. Upon arrival in the city, he took a taxi to an address in Olgiate Comasco, a small town in the province. Shortly thereafter, a scam was reported against an elderly resident in that very area.
The Modus Operandi of the Fraud Against the Elderly Victim
Investigators reconstructed that the victim, an 89-year-old woman, received a phone call from an individual posing as a law enforcement officer. Using the classic ‘fake Carabinieri’ and ‘fake car accident’ technique, the scammer told the woman that her granddaughter had been involved in a serious accident where a young girl was injured. To ‘resolve’ the situation, the victim was induced to hand over a sum of money or, alternatively, gold and precious items.
Police Intervention and Arrest
The Mobile Squad agents, in plain clothes, acted promptly. They monitored public transport departing from Olgiate Comasco and heading towards Como San Giovanni station. Thanks to the collaboration with Polfer and the military personnel of the Italian Army involved in the ‘Safe Streets’ operation, the 43-year-old was identified as he disembarked from a bus coming from the location where the scam had occurred.
Recovery of Stolen Goods
During a personal search, the suspect was found in possession of a bag containing gold jewelry and trinkets. The items were subsequently recognized by the victim as her own, confirming the man’s involvement in the fraud.
Criminal Record and Arrest Proceedings
Taken to the police station, the numerous criminal and police records of the 43-year-old from Campania came to light. The agents then proceeded with the arrest for aggravated fraud against an elderly person, which was validated by the duty Public Prosecutor.
Direct Trial Scheduled
Informed of the police activities, the Public Prosecutor ordered a direct trial, scheduling the hearing for the following morning at 11:30. The man will now have to answer to the charges before the judge.
