An elaborate scam has targeted prominent Italian business figures, with fraudsters impersonating Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.

Using convincing tactics, including deepfake technology, they requested large sums of money to allegedly free journalists kidnapped in the Middle East.

Victims included Massimo Moratti, former Inter Milan president, who admitted being deceived, and other high-profile names like Giorgio Armani and Patrizio Bertelli.

Some, like the Aleotti family of Menarini, avoided the trap by verifying the calls.

The scam highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime, with global losses now exceeding $500 billion annually.

Authorities are investigating, and Crosetto has filed a formal complaint.