WhatsApp message: Bank manager falls for AI fake - scammers steal 36 million euros from Intesa Sanpaolo subsidiary
The former chairman of the board of directors of Italian bank Fideuram was the victim of an AI scam. He transferred €95 million from the bank's assets. Only part of it could be recovered.
Insiders report that thieves used artificial intelligence to steal around 36 million euros from a subsidiary of Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo, Fideuram, in Milan. The attempted theft was initially 95 million euros, but over half was later recovered. The scam began in February with a WhatsApp message, seemingly from Intesa Sanpaolo's Carlo Messina, and a follow-up call from a fake lawyer whose voice was imitated using AI.
Fideuram's Paolo Molesini, who has since resigned as chairman, was deceived into ordering transfers to accounts in China and Hong Kong. Authorities in China, Portugal, and Italy collaborated to recover around 53 million euros.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
