Police and Guardia di Finanza Crack Down on Mafia-Linked Ultras in Milan.
In a major operation launched early this morning, agents from the Central Operations Service of the Central Anti-Crime Directorate of the State Police, the Milan Flying Squad, and SISCO executed dozens of precautionary measures and search warrants. These target individuals accused of a range of serious crimes, including criminal association with mafia involvement, extortion, assault, and other violent offences.
The suspects are largely connected to the ultras fan groups of Inter and AC Milan. Their alleged criminal activities are linked to the significant business turnover associated with football.
Forty People Under Investigation
A total of around 40 individuals are under investigation, with 19 arrests carried out among the leadership of the ultras groups associated with both Milan and Inter. None of the clubs’ employees or managers are involved in the crimes, as confirmed by Milan Prosecutor Marcello Viola, who referred to them as “offended parties.”
Among those arrested are prominent figures like Luca Lucci, head of the Milan ultras, and Renato Bosetti, the new leader of Inter’s Curva Nord, following the arrest of Andrea Beretta for the murder of Antonio Bellocco. Beretta is also a recipient of a prison order, as are other key figures in the football fan scene. These include Marco Ferdico and Christian Rosiello, the latter known for his previous connection as Fedez’s bodyguard.
Mafia Links and Extortion
The investigation highlights an “alliance” between the ultras of Inter and Milan in a variety of illegal activities, including mafia infiltration. Extortion related to catering services at the San Siro stadium is among the criminal activities uncovered. Other accusations include demands for protection money from street vendors selling food outside the Meazza stadium. The investigation also brought to light instances of beatings and what are termed “stadium crimes.”
The investigation has not uncovered any links to drug trafficking. Of the 19 individuals served with precautionary measures, 16 are in prison and three are under house arrest. The crimes include mafia-related criminal association, extortion, document fraud, unauthorised access to computer systems, and acts of violence.
Prosecutor Viola called it a “complex investigation” involving multiple branches of law enforcement, adding that the operation had successfully revealed the extent of criminal infiltration within the ultras groups of both clubs.
Inter and Milan Face Preventive Procedure
The Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a “preventive procedure” against Inter and AC Milan. Although the clubs are not under investigation, they must now demonstrate they have severed all ties with the ultras, particularly regarding the management of match tickets. Failure to do so could lead to judicial administration of both clubs.
The documents reveal a disturbing lack of control over the San Siro stadium and its associated economic activities. Criminal groups are benefiting from the sale of tickets and catering contracts. Instances of intimidation and ticket scalping, particularly for high-profile events like the Champions League final, have also been noted.
One specific episode mentions Inter ultras leader Marco Ferdico pressuring coach Simone Inzaghi to intervene with club management to secure more tickets for fans. Despite the club’s reluctance, there was evidence of “subservience” to the demands of the ultras.
Wider Implications
Giovanni Melillo, Italy’s anti-mafia prosecutor, has raised concerns about the increasing infiltration of organised crime into football. He stated the need for vigilance, warning that both professional and amateur football are at risk of criminal interference.
Among those implicated in the investigation is regional councillor Manfredi Palmeri. He stands accused of corruption for his alleged involvement in securing a parking contract at the San Siro stadium.
The operation marks a significant step in disrupting the illicit activities of the ultras. However, it also shines a spotlight on the broader issue of mafia influence within Italian football, particularly concerning its deep-rooted connections to fan groups.
