Italian police thought they were being hoodwinked this week when they caught a Russian shoplifter who said he was Vladimir Putin.
After checking out his passport it turned out that he was indeed the Russian leader's namesake.
The 30-year-old was nabbed with an accomplice who helped him lift outfits in several high-end shops in the Adriatic resort city of Riccione.
Police said they were able to trace Putin after watching a shop security video showing him selecting trousers and cardigans before stashing them in a bag.
