Guido Crosetto Impersonated in AI-Generated Scam Targeting Italy’s Elite.
Italy's wealthiest entrepreneurs were targeted by fraudsters who impersonated Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in an elaborate scam.
The criminals used AI-generated voices to mimic Crosetto’s voice, convincing high-profile individuals to send large sums of money for a fabricated cause.
The scam's origin was a phone call, where the fraudsters posed as Crosetto and his team, claiming to need €1 million to help free kidnapped Italian journalists from the Middle East. Among the high-profile victims were renowned fashion designer Giorgio Armani, former Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti, and members of the Beretta and Menarini families. The criminals directed the victims to transfer the funds to a Hong Kong bank account.
Describing the situation as a "serious scam" and an "absurd affair," Crosetto took to social media last week to warn others. "I received a call from a big businessman inquiring about why my secretary requested his mobile number. I assured him it was impossible and ridiculous," Crosetto explained. He later learned that a businessman had transferred a significant sum of money to a fraudulent account linked to the fictitious “General Giovanni Montalbano” after mistakenly believing the scammers were genuinely representing Crosetto.
Guido Crosetto swiftly informed the businessman that it was a scam and alerted the authorities, who visited the entrepreneur's home to collect information. He shared the news publicly to prevent others from falling victim to the same con. "I prefer to make the facts public so that no one runs the risk of falling into the trap," the Defence Minister wrote on social media.
Italian authorities are now investigating the scam, with a focus on whether the AI technology used to create Crosetto’s voice was pre-recorded or altered in real time. The scam emerged shortly after the successful release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, adding a sense of urgency and realism to the situation.
Sala had been detained in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison for nearly a month before being freed in mid-January 2025, following negotiations led by Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.
Sala's detention raised concerns about press freedom and the treatment of foreign journalists in Iran. Her release was seen as a diplomatic success for Italy, although the specifics of the negotiations and the circumstances surrounding her arrest remain somewhat unclear. Sala's case highlighted the risks that journalists face while working in politically sensitive regions.
Beyond her detention, Cecilia Sala is known for her investigative reporting, particularly related to international affairs, and she has contributed to various Italian and international publications.
Among those affected, Massimo Moratti, who has already lodged a complaint with the authorities, expressed his concern, telling La Repubblica: "I prefer to stay calm and await the investigation. I have filed a complaint, and I will speak further once more is known."
The Beretta and Aleotti families, also targeted by the scammers, are involved in the ongoing investigation. "I’ve filed a complaint and will wait for the investigation to unfold," Moratti said, confirming that a significant amount of money was transferred during the fraudulent operation.
This high-tech scam sheds light on the growing sophistication of fraud schemes, raising questions about the extent of AI’s potential misuse. Italian authorities are working diligently to track the perpetrators and ensure that others do not fall victim to this new wave of cybercrime.
The rise of AI-generated impersonation scams is a concerning trend, as it exploits advanced technology to deceive individuals and cause harm. The recent case in Italy, where fraudsters impersonated Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to solicit funds from wealthy entrepreneurs, is a stark reminder of how AI tools can manipulate voices and identities.
The ability to mimic someone’s voice in real time or with pre-recorded messages makes it increasingly difficult to discern what is real from what is fabricated. In this case, the scam targeted high-profile individuals, including fashion moguls and influential business figures, leveraging their trust in authority figures like Crosetto. This event not only highlights the vulnerability of individuals to fraud but also raises critical questions about the role of AI in online security and personal protection. As AI technology becomes more accessible, stronger safeguards and awareness are necessary to prevent such scams and protect both individuals and businesses from significant financial loss and reputational damage.
