Police in Varese arrested two fraudsters, aged 19 and 22, after an alleged scam in which they posed as members of the Guardia di Finanza. Investigators say the scheme targeted an 81-year-old woman with a phone call about “sanctions” to be paid for her late husband. The caller urged her to name the cash and valuables she kept at home, claiming an official would come to verify the amounts. Soon after, one of the suspects went to the woman’s home, where she had already placed the requested items into two boxes. Taking advantage of a moment of distraction, the man grabbed the jewellery and fled, even jumping over the condominium gate. After tips from neighbours, the Squad Mobile team tracked down one suspect on a city bus heading toward Varese station and stopped him. Further investigation allowed police to identify the accomplice, who acted as a lookout near the property. Police said the operation led to the recovery of the full haul, including multiple gold and pearl necklaces, gold rings and watches, which were returned to the owner. Following the formalities, the two arrested suspects were taken to the Varese remand prison on court instructions.