A fingerprint left on an envelope used to collect money allowed police to identify the suspected perpetrator of two aggravated scams targeting elderly women in Alghero.
The suspect is a 24-year-old Pakistani national, identified by the two victims through photographic identification. The investigation, conducted by the Alghero Police Station, began after two separate patrol car operations at the women's homes, both of which were deceived using the tried-and-tested "fake Carabiniere" system.
The script is the same: a phone call from someone claiming to be law enforcement, false information about a family member involved in serious legal proceedings, and an urgent request for money and jewelry.
The victims, frightened and kept on the phone for long periods, were persuaded to gather their belongings and hand them over to an accomplice who showed up directly at their door. The work of the Alghero forensic police provided a turning point in the investigation.
During an inspection, the specialists identified and recovered a fingerprint on an envelope used by the scammer to withdraw the money.
The investigations led to the identification of the 24-year-old, who was subsequently identified by both elderly women. The investigation is not concluded, as investigators are verifying possible connections to similar scams committed in other areas and are working to identify possible accomplices.
