Deepfake Scam Hits Italian Bank Fideuram, Bitcoin Wallets Involved
A sophisticated deepfake scam targeting Fideuram, an Italian bank, has resulted in a loss of approximately 95 million euros. The scam involved a fake WhatsApp message and voice cloning using artificial intelligence to impersonate Carlo Messina, CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo, and Paolo Nastasi, a managing partner at law firm A&O Shearman.
Fideuram's president, Paolo Molesini, was tricked into authorizing the transfer of funds. The money was directed towards accounts in China, Hong Kong, and other destinations. So far, approximately 36-39.5 million euros are still missing, according to various sources.
The investigation has revealed a complex web of transactions involving banks in Malta, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, as well as a Canadian payment platform. The scam's use of Bitcoin wallets highlights concerns about cryptocurrency laundering. Fideuram is not the only Italian bank affected by this type of scam; other institutions have also been targeted.
Experts warn that voice cloning technology has become increasingly accessible, making it easier for scammers to impersonate well-known individuals. Financial institutions are advised to implement robust security measures to prevent such scams in the future.