Rudolph Angler Fraudsters used artificial intelligence to copy Defence Minister Guido Crosetto’s voice. They targeted Italy’s wealthiest entrepreneurs with a fake ransom request.
The scammers called Giorgio Armani, Massimo Moratti, Patrizio Bertelli, and members of the Beretta and Menarini families. They claimed the money was needed to free kidnapped Italian journalists. The fraudsters asked for transfers to a Hong Kong bank account.
Crosetto Warns Public About the Scam
Crosetto alerted the public on X, calling the scam a serious deception. He said that several business figures had fallen for it.
One businessman transferred a large sum of money to a fake “General Giovanni Montalbano,” believing he was speaking to Crosetto.
Crosetto quickly alerted authorities. They visited the victim’s home to collect details and register the case.
Investigation Continues as Victims Report the Scam
Italian investigators are tracking the scammers. They are also looking into whether AI-generated voice filters were used in real time or pre-recorded.
The scam followed the release of journalist Cecilia Sala, who was imprisoned in Tehran and freed in January.
Business tycoons Moratti, the Aleotti family, and the Beretta family have already filed complaints. Authorities are continuing their investigation.