Police in Novara arrested a 39-year-old after seizing 1,125 euros in cash and about 310 grams of gold. The man was spotted in the area of the taxis, then quickly left the vehicle and continued on foot with unusual haste. His behaviour drew the attention of officers from the mobile unit, who stopped him and carried out checks. Investigators found the money and gold with him and moved to trace where the items came from. Their search led them to Vercelli, where an elderly woman had been targeted moments earlier. According to police, the scam used the “finto carabiniere” method. A caller allegedly contacted the victim by phone, presenting themselves as a member of the armed forces and claiming there was an urgent problem involving a relative or the victim. Under pressure, the woman was persuaded to prepare cash and valuables. A second person then went to the woman’s home to collect the items. The elderly woman later reported the incident and, police say, recognised both the man and the goods that were taken. The seized gold and cash were then returned to limit the financial impact. The 39-year-old was arrested for extortion in connection with other people not identified at the time, and taken to the prison in Novara while awaiting validation of the arrest. The case is still at an early stage.