(ZENIT News / Rome, 11.21.2024).- Rome’s bustling streets witnessed yet another audacious act from Stefano Ramunni, Italy’s notorious con artist dubbed the “King of Fraud.” This time, his antics involved impersonating a high-ranking Vatican official in an elaborate scheme that combined theatrics, deception, and, ultimately, failure.
A Fraudulent Bishop at the Post Office
Disguised as a bishop and armed with counterfeit documents, Ramunni targeted a post office near the Vatican in an attempt to secure a personal loan. Claiming to be Giuseppe Laterza, a real Vatican diplomat serving as the Apostolic Nuncio in the Central African Republic, he sought to exploit the Italian postal system’s small-loan services.
Accompanied by Francesco Albanese, another career criminal known for impersonating law enforcement, Ramunni’s plan unraveled when the postal employee recognized him—not as clergy, but from an investigative TV program, Le Iene, where his long history of scams had been exposed.
The employee cleverly delayed the transaction, asking Ramunni to return the following day. By then, police were ready and waiting. Upon his arrival, authorities apprehended him, discovering fake IDs, forged documents, and equipment for creating counterfeit credentials.
A Legacy of Deception
Ramunni’s arrest adds yet another chapter to his extensive criminal resume. Over the years, he has orchestrated scams that range from fraudulent fundraising to impersonating priests. One particularly cruel ploy involved convincing a family to hand over the identity documents of their gravely ill son under the pretense of securing aid. Instead, Ramunni used the documents to open a credit card account, which he swiftly maxed out.
His talent for theatrics even extended to faking his own death—twice—to evade arrest. Despite his flair for avoiding justice, Ramunni’s exploits have frequently landed him in custody. Following his latest arrest, he has been placed under house arrest, monitored electronically to ensure he doesn’t vanish once more.
A Hotspot for Religious Impostors
Rome, with its proximity to the Vatican, is no stranger to impostors in clerical garb. The allure of the Holy See and the challenge of bypassing its formidable security measures have attracted fraudsters and thrill-seekers alike.
In 2013, German imposter Ralph Napierski gained brief infamy when he infiltrated a cardinal’s meeting disguised as a bishop. In 2022, a Bolivian diplomat working near the Vatican was unmasked as a fake priest with a trail of accusations from his homeland.
Authorities have expressed concern about the potential for similar incidents as Rome prepares for the upcoming Jubilee, which is expected to draw 35 million pilgrims. Enhanced security measures, including collaboration between Italian and Vatican forces, are being implemented to deter fraud and protect visitors.
Ramunni’s Other Infamous Capers
Ramunni’s penchant for disguise isn’t limited to bishops’ robes. In a separate case, he and an accomplice were caught in Treviso impersonating Vatican officials. Their scheme, intended to bypass a routine traffic stop, was foiled when police uncovered forged badges, counterfeit credit cards, and equipment for creating fake documents.
Authorities later discovered that the duo’s vehicle, a modest Peugeot, was outfitted with fake police lights, adding to their elaborate facade. The arrests highlighted not only the creativity of their schemes but also the dangers of their fraudulent activities.
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