Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 00:01 IST, June 18th 2019

Italian man who escaped jail sentence for George Clooney fraud case nabbed by Thai police

Thai police said they have arrested an Italian man wanted in his home country after he fled a jail sentence handed down for fraudulently using the name of actor George Clooney to lure people into investing in a bogus clothing company. 

Reported by: Digital Desk
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

Thai police said they have arrested an Italian man wanted in his home country after he fled a jail sentence handed down for fraudulently using the name of actor George Clooney to lure people into investing in a bogus clothing company. 

READ: George Clooney Criticizes Trump's Government As One With 'Hate And Disbelief'

Advertisement

Thailand's Crime Suppression Division said in a statement that Francesco Galdeli, 58, was arrested Saturday near the city of Pattaya on suspicion of staying in the country illegally. Also arrested was Vanja Goffi, 45, on suspicion of overstaying her visa. 

Interpol notice had been issued for Galdeli and he was arrested at an address provided by Italian authorities, Thai authorities said in their statement Sunday. 

Advertisement

It was not immediately clear if the two had a lawyer. 

Galdeli was sentenced by a Milan court in 2010 to more than eight years in jail after he was found guilty of impersonating Clooney to trick investors, police said. 

Advertisement

READ: Rajkummar Rao Releases A Statement After A Group Of Con Artists Impersonates Him To Dupe Producers And Directors. Read Here

Galdeli had lived in Thailand for around seven years, police said. 

Advertisement

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Clooney had not starred in a film since 'Money Monster' in 2016. The veteran, directed the Matt Damon-starrer 'Suburbicon' in 2017.

 (With inputs from Associated Press)

23:45 IST, June 17th 2019