PM’s phone stolen during Rome sightseeing
The Anthony Albanese phone stolen at Trevi Fountain incident has captured global attention after the Australian Prime Minister had his personal phone snatched during a casual sightseeing moment in Rome. The shocking event unfolded at one of the most iconic landmarks in the city—the Trevi Fountain—as the PM was wrapping up his diplomatic visit to the Vatican.
Trip disrupted by unexpected theft
The unfortunate moment turned an otherwise successful international trip into a frustrating and inconvenient ordeal. Albanese confirmed the theft, stating, “Yeah, not ideal,” while lightly patting the travel bum bag containing his passport and other valuables. With a resigned smile, he added, “He got me, he got me good.”
Theft occurred after official duties
The Anthony Albanese phone stolen at Trevi Fountain story began shortly after his official duties ended. Following a high-level meeting with the Pope, the PM decided to enjoy a few tourist moments in the Eternal City. But what should have been a simple photo opportunity turned into a criminal encounter.
Thief posed as a helpful tourist
According to the Prime Minister, he was attempting to capture some personal photos at the Trevi Fountain to share with friends. As crowds gathered and tourists jostled for position, a young man approached him and offered to help. “A nice looking young man asked me if I wanted him to take a photo?” Albanese recalled. “I said yes, that would be lovely.”
Gesture turned into grab-and-go
What seemed like a polite gesture quickly revealed a darker intention. The man didn’t take the photo—instead, he snatched the PM’s phone and dashed toward a scooter parked on the square’s edge. “He took my phone and bolted to scooter on the edge of the square, which he promptly scooted off on.”
No chance to track or recover
Efforts to recover the device proved futile. When asked whether he had activated Apple’s Find My iPhone feature, Albanese noted that the thief was fast and efficient. “He factory reset it pretty much immediately,” he said. This swift action effectively prevented any digital tracking or recovery attempts.
PM jokes about group chats and insurance
In a moment of dry humor, the Prime Minister found a silver lining, saying, “Which at least means they can’t get into the bux chat, or my deranged IG DMs with President Trump.” He also remarked optimistically, “And I can try claim it on insurance.”
Tourists face theft risks in major cities
The Anthony Albanese phone stolen at Trevi Fountain incident highlights a broader issue facing tourists in major European cities: opportunistic theft. Despite increased security, pickpocketing and phone snatching remain common threats in popular tourist areas like the Trevi Fountain.
Reminder that no one is immune
As the Prime Minister makes arrangements to replace his phone, his experience serves as a reminder that even high-profile figures aren’t immune to the petty crimes that can strike when least expected. The Trevi Fountain might be a picturesque backdrop for selfies, but it’s also a hotspot where unsuspecting tourists can fall victim to quick-handed thieves.
A rare personal moment from a public figure
For the Australian public, the incident offers a rare glimpse into the personal experiences of their leader abroad—experiences that are often overshadowed by formal meetings and diplomatic engagements. The Anthony Albanese phone stolen at Trevi Fountain headline serves as both a cautionary tale and a strangely relatable moment for anyone who’s ever lost a device while traveling.
The story may stick with the public
As updates emerge and the Prime Minister returns to regular duties, the story of how a casual Roman selfie turned into a tech mishap is likely to stick with him—and with the public—for some time. More details may be released soon, but for now, Albanese is left with the memory, the insurance paperwork, and perhaps a deeper appreciation for international phone security.
