Fraudsters used AI-generated voice technology to impersonate Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and trick wealthy entrepreneurs into sending money.

They targeted business leaders, including Giorgio Armani, Massimo Moratti, and Patrizio Bertelli, pretending to seek funds for kidnapped journalists. Victims were asked to wire about €1 million to a bank account in Hong Kong, allegedly to secure journalist releases.

Crosetto Exposes the Fraud and Warns Public

Crosetto revealed the scam on X, calling it a “serious fraud” and urging people to stay alert.

A businessman informed him that his staff had requested personal contact details, but Crosetto denied any involvement. Another entrepreneur unknowingly transferred a large sum after speaking to a fake “General Giovanni Montalbano,” believing it was Crosetto himself.

Investigation Launched as Complaints Pile Up

Italian authorities have opened an investigation into the AI scam, reviewing the list of targeted individuals.

Massimo Moratti and the Aleotti and Beretta families have filed formal complaints about the fraud. Officials are determining whether the scammers used pre-recorded messages or real-time AI voice modification to mimic Crosetto’s voice.