Moratti, Menarini, Beretta Victims of Crosetto Scam

Milan: Oil man and ex Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti, the family that owns the Menarini pharma group, and the Beretta firearms dynasty have filed complaints to Milan prosecutors, claiming they have been victims of a scam involving the payment of bogus ransoms for journalists working in the Middle East. The scam allegedly used the AI-generated fake voice of Defence Minister Guido Crosetto to endorse the cash requests.

According to Ansa News Agency, billionaire petroleum businessman Moratti, 79, was the only one among the three targets who actually paid the ransom, reportedly handing over some one million euros. The scam targeted these prominent figures by exploiting their influence and financial standing.

Fashion icons such as Giorgio Armani and Prada CEO Patrizio Bertelli were also contacted by the scammers, sources disclosed on Friday. However, it appears they did not fall victim to the fraudulent scheme. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the full extent of the scam and bring the perpetrators to justice.