AI Voice Fraud Scheme
AI Voice Scam Persuades Executives To Transfer Millions From Italian Wealth Manager
Anonymous
Fraudsters used a fake WhatsApp message impersonating Intesa Sanpaolo CEO Carlo Messina and an AI-cloned lawyer’s voice to persuade then-Fideuram chairman Paolo Molesini to authorize about €95 million in transfers. The money was sent mainly to accounts in China and Hong Kong; about €53 million was recovered through international cooperation, while roughly €36 million remains missing after being converted into cryptocurrency. Molesini and other Fideuram executives are not under investigation, while Milan prosecutors are investigating a foreign national on suspicion of computer fraud.
Key Points
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The recovery included about €40 million returned through cooperation with Chinese banks and another €13 million seized with help from Portuguese authorities working through Eurojust.
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Fake emails also reinforced the fraudulent transfer requests, adding another layer to the impersonation scheme.
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Molesini resigned as Fideuram chairman in March, citing personal reasons; the company did not give a further explanation at the time.
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The case follows another reported AI voice-impersonation fraud in Italy: scammers mimicked an Italian minister’s voice to persuade businessman Massimo Moratti to transfer nearly €1 million overseas.
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