A promise of companionship is a powerful motivator, but for one man in Genoa, it became the hook for a predatory scheme. In a ruling that underscores the judicial system’s protection of vulnerable citizens, the Court of Genoa has sentenced two local men to two years and four months in prison for attempted extortion, after they allegedly tried to monetize a fragile man’s desire for romantic connection.
The case, which unfolded in the First Section of the tribunal, centers on a calculated attempt to exploit a 46-year-old man described as “fragile.” The defendants—two masons aged 40 and 44—did not use a sophisticated financial instrument or a complex corporate shell to carry out their crime. Instead, they relied on a primitive form of social engineering: the promise of a “fast track” to the heart of a woman the victim admired.
While the sums of money requested were relatively tiny, the court found that the psychological pressure and the subsequent threats of extreme violence transformed a petty scam into a serious criminal offense. The verdict, delivered by Judge Paola Faggioni, marks a definitive rejection of the defendants’ claims of innocence, relying heavily on eyewitness testimony that painted a picture of systemic intimidation.
The Mechanics of a Predatory Scam
The events began in February 2024, when the two defendants approached the victim with a proposition. They claimed they could facilitate an introduction to a woman he liked, effectively offering to act as intermediaries in his romantic life. This “service” came with a price tag: a series of payments ranging from 50 to 60 euros.
For approximately one week, the defendants maintained a campaign of constant pressure. According to the prosecution, the strategy was to keep the victim in a state of anticipation and anxiety, ensuring he felt that the only way to achieve his goal was through continued payment. However, the scheme failed to yield a payout. The victim, growing suspicious of the vague promises and the increasing demands, chose to report the matter to the authorities rather than succumb to the pressure.
The transition from financial manipulation to overt aggression occurred in Via Isonzo. In what the court identified as the most severe episode of the case, the two men confronted the victim in public. The encounter took a violent turn when the defendants allegedly threatened not only the victim but his family, explicitly stating they would “cut his throat” and cause harm to his relatives. This confrontation was witnessed by the victim’s mother, who was nearby during the altercation.
Judicial Findings and Evidence
During the trial, the defense, led by attorney Stefano Ganci, maintained a strict denial of all charges. The defendants argued that their interactions with the victim were minimal—limited to a few occasional meetings—and insisted that no money was ever requested nor were any romantic introductions promised. This version of events, however, failed to hold up under judicial scrutiny.
The court’s decision rested on two critical pieces of evidence that countered the defendants’ narrative:
- Direct Eyewitness Testimony: The victim’s mother provided a detailed account of the threats made in Via Isonzo, corroborating the atmosphere of fear, and intimidation.
- Intercepted Communication: A nephew of the victim testified to having overheard a telephone conversation in which the defendants were explicitly demanding money from the man.
Judge Paola Faggioni concluded that the evidence was sufficient to prove the intent to extort, regardless of whether the funds were actually transferred. Under Italian law, the “attempt” (tentata estorsione) is a punishable offense, particularly when accompanied by threats of violence, which serve as aggravating factors in sentencing.
Case Summary: Legal Timeline and Verdict
| Event / Phase | Detail | Outcome/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Incident Period | February 2024 | Attempted extortion via “romance” promise |
| Key Evidence | Family testimonies & phone call | Contradicted defense’s denial |
| Court Ruling | First Section, Court of Genoa | Guilty of attempted extortion |
| Sentence | 2 years and 4 months | Prison term for both defendants |
The Impact of Targeting Vulnerability
From a socioeconomic perspective, this case highlights a recurring pattern in “low-level” extortion: the targeting of individuals perceived as “fragile.” Whether due to cognitive challenges, social isolation, or emotional instability, such victims are often seen as “soft targets” by opportunistic criminals. The use of small, incremental payments (50-60 euros) is a common tactic designed to keep the victim invested without triggering immediate alarm, a method similar to “salami slicing” in financial fraud.
The severity of the sentence—over two years—reflects the court’s view that the crime was not merely about the money, but about the abuse of power and the psychological trauma inflicted. The leap from a fraudulent promise to death threats demonstrates a volatile escalation that the judiciary sought to penalize heavily to deter similar predatory behavior in the community.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal inquiries regarding Italian penal law or extortion statutes, please consult a licensed legal professional.
The legal process for the two defendants is not yet concluded. Under the Italian judicial system, the court has 30 days to file the written motivations (motivazioni) explaining the reasoning behind the sentence. Once these documents are released, the defense team, led by Stefano Ganci, has indicated they will file an appeal to challenge the conviction.
Do you believe the judiciary is doing enough to protect vulnerable individuals from social engineering scams? Share your thoughts in the comments below or share this story on social media to spread awareness.
