Ancient Theatre Scam Uncovered in Italy: Man Jailed After 20-Year Fraud

An Italian man, Franco Malosso, earned €1.5 million over nearly 20 years by luring tourists to a fake 'ancient Roman theatre' he built himself. The structure was made with modern materials, including fiberglass and plaster, while stones were artificially aged to resemble centuries-old ruins. The tours were successful until 2016, when the fraud was exposed. Malosso was sentenced to two years and four months in prison and ordered to pay a €3,000 fine.