Cracking the AI Voice Scam: Italian Businessman Duped

Italian police have frozen almost one million euros wired to a foreign bank by a businessman duped by an AI scam. The fraudsters mimicked Defence Minister Guido Crosetto’s voice, seeking funds for kidnapped journalists. The funds have been located in the Netherlands.

Italian authorities have successfully frozen nearly one million euros that was wired to a foreign bank account by a prominent businessman who fell victim to an AI-driven scam. The elaborate fraud involved criminals using artificial intelligence to mimic the voice of Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, deceiving the businessman into believing he was providing financial assistance for the release of kidnapped journalists in the Middle East.

High-profile business figures, such as fashion icon Giorgio Armani and Prada's co-founder Patrizio Bertelli, were among the targets. However, Massimo Moratti, ex-owner of Inter Milan soccer club, was the only one to transfer funds. Initial concerns over recovery faded as officials announced the funds were traced to the Netherlands.

Guido Crosetto expressed relief on X, praising the magistrates and police for recovering the money. Moratti, who made two payments under the false impression of government backing, has filed a legal complaint. The scam involved fraudulent calls supposedly from Rome government offices using Crosetto's fabricated voice via AI technology.

(With inputs from agencies.)