Hearing tests performed by fake professionals to the detriment of the elderly . This is the accusation behind the alleged fraud uncovered by the NAS of Sassari, which, with Operation "Dumbo," led to the seizure of two hearing centers between Sassari and Oristano today.

The preliminary investigations judge of the Oristano Court, at the request of the local public prosecutor's office, issued the order concluding the investigation begun in 2022 by the anti-adulteration unit. The Carabinieri officers uncovered a structured operational framework. According to the charges, these began by approaching older people, offering, through certain promoters, hearing checks in pharmacies and medical clinics on the island . However, according to the investigation, fake audiometrists would have been contacted by the patients and performed hearing tests and examinations without any qualifications and, moreover, without the specialized medical certification from an ENT specialist.

The same individuals, or their collaborators, are also alleged to have installed hearing aids, thus impersonating the specialized audiologist . Along with the premises, the police also seized electronic equipment, software used to perform the illegal tests, as well as documentation containing sales contracts and consultation forms for the purchase of hearing aids. Eight people are under investigation, including the company's CEO, accused of various counts of practicing healthcare illegally and fraud . Meanwhile, the seized accounting and contractual documentation is being examined, thus continuing the investigation.

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