The Carabinieri of Paola arrested a 41-year-old man, originally from Campania, on charges of circumvention of an incompetent person and aggravated extortion. The precautionary detention order in prison was issued by the Judge for Preliminary Investigations at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Paola, led by the acting Prosecutor, Dr. Ernesto Sassano.
The investigation, coordinated by the military and launched following numerous interventions due to domestic disputes, made it possible to collect evidence that would show a systematic attempt by the suspect to take advantage of a vulnerable family. According to investigative reconstructions, the man presented himself to the family, residing in Paola, as a “relative”. Taking advantage of this false familiarity, he allegedly induced a 64-year-old man, characterized by psychological fragility and vulnerability, to donate all his assets to his 45-year-old wife. Among the properties sold there was also half of a house.
Once he had gained the family’s trust, the suspect continued to stay at their home, taking advantage of the woman’s hospitality and the family’s economic availability. However, when the woman expressed her intention of no longer wanting to host him, the situation quickly degenerated. In July 2024, faced with the threat of losing the family’s “support”, the man allegedly reacted with threats towards the woman and her disabled son, even repeatedly beating her husband.
The arrested person, whose identity was not disclosed, was taken to the Paola prison, awaiting further developments in the trial. The case highlights the issue of the protection of vulnerable people and the need to be vigilant to avoid abuse of vulnerable individuals, who represent an easy target for those who try to take advantage of their condition.