Major Anti-Mafia Operation in Sicily Leads to 183 Arrests

An advanced phone scam leveraging artificial intelligence has recently targeted prominent Italian business figures, including fashion designer Giorgio Armani and Prada chairman Patrizio Bertelli. The scammers used a cloned voice of Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, claiming to seek financial assistance for freeing kidnapped Italian journalists in the Middle East, according to Italian prosecutors in Milan. Reports indicate multiple victims, with one entrepreneur duped into transferring €1 million ($1.1 million) to a Hong Kong account, believing he would be reimbursed by the Bank of Italy. Crosetto revealed the scam through social media after being contacted by a victim who had fallen prey to the scheme. “It all seemed real,” said Massimo Moratti, a former Inter Milan owner, emphasizing the cunning nature of the scammers. Legal complaints have since been filed by several victims, including members of the Beretta firearms family and the Aleotti family, who head the Menarini pharmaceutical firm. Defense Minister Crosetto noted this rising trend in AI-driven scams, revealing a growing vulnerability among high-profile individuals in Italy.

Scholars have successfully translated some of the first words from a Herculaneum scroll, which was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. The artifact, part of the Vesuvius Challenge, contains the ancient Greek word for "disgust," suggesting a wealth of information hidden within the delicate texts, according to researchers. The scroll, termed PHerc. 172, is the fifth intact manuscript to be virtually unrolled using advanced artificial intelligence and imaging scans. The competition has brought together experts aiming to unlock the secrets of Roman and Greek history embedded in these ancient texts. The chemical composition of the ink on this particular scroll has allowed for easier reading through X-ray technology, hinting at a unique ingredient that could support further investigations, explained the study's lead researchers. This breakthrough not only aids historical understanding but marks a significant advancement in utilizing technology to study fragile artifacts without physical manipulation, highlighting the role of AI in modern archaeology.

Donald Trump Jr. faces accusations of violating Italian and European Union environmental laws after allegedly hunting a protected species of duck near Venice, according to two members of the Italian Green Party. Lawmakers Andrea Zanoni and Luana Zanella filed parliamentary questions seeking action against Trump Jr., claiming that he was seen in a now-deleted video standing near a dead ruddy shelduck, which is protected under both the EU Birds Directive and Italian wildlife laws. Zanoni stated that the video showed Trump Jr. holding the rare duck in a Natura 2000 conservation area, emphasizing that hunting this species is illegal and could lead to criminal charges. He highlighted that only residents of Italy can hunt legally, as they require a regional hunting card. The controversial video, initially published by Field Ethos, depicted Trump Jr. hunting in camouflage gear and expressing excitement over his catches. As of now, neither Trump Jr. nor Field Ethos have publicly responded to the allegations. The incident has drawn significant media attention amidst ongoing scrutiny of Trump family activities abroad.