Shameless Conman Busted for Ripping Off Young Men in Multi-Force Sting
Career con artist Paolo Aldorasi, 39, has finally been locked up after duping young men out of nearly £34,000. The slick fraudster, from Hammersmith and Fulham, ran a twisted scam that targeted vulnerable lads, pressuring them to withdraw huge sums from ATMs before vanishing with the cash.
Charm and Lies: The Italian Fashion Designer Ruse
Aldorasi’s trick was simple but cruel. He’d spot a young South East Asian man on the street, introduce himself as an Italian fashion designer, and invite them into his posh car. He’d hand out clothing as bait, then claim he’d lost all his money gambling and begged for a loan to cover his airport car rental.
Many of the victims, often new to the UK, were too intimidated or hopeful they’d be paid back to refuse. Aldorasi pressured them to withdraw anywhere from £500 to £8,000 from ATMs. Once he had their cash, he disappeared.
Three Police Forces Unmask Career Crook
The scam started in June 2020 on Kensington Road and spread through London, Coventry, and Oxford. Detectives from the Metropolitan Police, Thames Valley Police, and West Midlands Police teamed up to crack the case. After multiple arrests and charges, Aldorasi pleaded guilty to 15 counts of fraud by false representation.
At Southwark Crown Court, the judge slammed him as a “shameless” confidence trickster who left victims “ashamed, cynical, and distrustful.” Thanks to an early guilty plea, he got two years and nine months behind bars.
Detective’s Warning and Victims’ Heartache
“Aldorasi is a career criminal who thinks nothing of using dishonesty to make a profit for himself, with no regard for the long-term impact his crimes have had on his victims,” said Detective Constable Christine Metz.
“The young men are deeply hurt, some too ashamed even to tell their families. Their confidence and trust in strangers have been shattered. Aldorasi fully deserves his prison sentence.”
One chilling CCTV clip from October 2021 shows Aldorasi leaning over to double the ATM withdrawal from £250 to £500 before the victim hands the cash over. Moments later, Aldorasi drives off with his haul, leaving his victim in turmoil.
Aldorasi’s criminal career spans the UK, US, and Australia, but his latest jail term ensures he faces consequences right here at home.
