Italy's Fake Ancient Theater Scammed Tourists for 20 Years

In the town of Arcugnano, Italy, a fake ancient Roman theater was built by 69-year-old Franco Malosso, who charged tourists 40 euros for entry over the course of nearly 20 years. The court sentenced Malosso to 2 years and 4 months in prison for unauthorized construction and art forgery, and ordered the demolition of the fake theater. The fake theater, dubbed the 'Berico Sea Amphitheater', hosted concerts, shows, and other events, with visitors paying a hefty entrance fee. However, in 2016, the Vicenza Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation following a complaint from the Arcugnano Municipality. An examination by the Carabinieri found that the structure was not an ancient artifact, but rather a modern construction made of aged stones, concrete columns, plaster statues, and an artificial lake. The court also ruled that Malosso must pay compensation to the Arcugnano Municipality and that the fake theater and other illegal structures must be demolished and the area restored to its original state.