In Milan, Mario Frigerio, who had worked as a concierge at Casa della Fontana since 2013, where the writer Dino Buzzati also lived, behind the Indro Montanelli Gardens, pretended to sell the same house with a garage a whopping 14 times, unbeknownst to the two owners.

Through deposits, intermediation fees, and tips, seems that Frigerio collected over 180,000 euros until he was arrested for fraud. Among the victims were well-known restaurateurs, several professionals, a journalist, and even a nobleman. After all, the deal seemed plausible, and in a fast-paced real estate market like Milan's, haste can cloud one's judgment.

Indeed, 248,000 euros for a 65-square-meter apartment in the Porta Venezia area, and 22,000 euros for a garage, is simply unbelievable. However, everyone trusted Frigerio, who, being in possession of the keys to the properties for emergencies, would show them to potential buyers, then ask for deposits – or intermediary fees to secure the pre-emption right – ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 euros. All transactions were made via bank transfer, making the whole thing appear even more transparent. However, the notarization date was repeatedly postponed.

The first to file a complaint was the owner of the apartment when he heard rumors that it was up for sale. It appears that a significant portion of the money was spent by Frigerio and his partner on Via della Spiga, as well as at the casino in Aosta.

Opening image:  Casa della Fontana in viale Vittorio Veneto 24, Milan. Photo by Fred Romero