Cops nab 'magician' for extortion

(ANSA) - Reggio Emilia, February 9 - Police on Tuesday arrested an Indian national for extortion after he told his employer that he was a magician who could protect him from an evil spell - for a hefty price.
    The victim, a 52-year-old farmer, in July 2014 paid the 'sorcerer' 1,300 euros for 'magic bracelets' that would ward off the evil spell, which the 43-year-old suspect told him would otherwise shower misfortune on him and his family.
    He ended up paying the suspect a total of 25,000 euros in the ensuing months, sinking into debts and shutting down his own business in the process. The incident took place in the small town of Casina, in Reggio Emilia province.