Italian billionaires fall victim to AI-driven scam mimicking defense minister's voice

High-profile figures, including Prada Chair Patrizio Bertelli, former Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti and Tod's owner Diego Della Valle, were among those contacted, the Financial Times reported.

According to an investigation, at least one person transferred €1 million ($1.03 million) to overseas bank accounts. Three businesspeople have filed official complaints with the Milan prosecutor's office.

Italian authorities discovered that multiple calls were made by voices posing as members of Crosetto's staff, and in some instances, even imitating Crosetto himself.

A defense ministry official said the scammers claimed the money was needed to pay ransom for "Italian journalists kidnapped around the world".

In a social media post last week, Crosetto warned of a "serious ongoing scam" after several entrepreneurs contacted him. He noted that the perpetrators appear to be experienced professionals who have the resources and skills to target major Italian business figures, according to The Guardian.