Italy: 19 fans arrested for alleged organised crime offences

In a statement, Italy's finance police announced the arrest of 19 people on Monday (30.09.2024) accused of forming criminal groups aimed at taking control of businesses in and around the San Siro stadium through mafia methods, including extortion, assault, and other serious crimes.

Most of the detainees are top ultras — leaders of the Curva Nord and Curva Sud.

The ring was allegedly attempting to take control of several business activities at San Siro, such as food sales, ticket distribution, fan souvenir sales, and paid parking management. Authorities believe the groups may also have been involved in drug trafficking. The Calabrian mafia group 'Ndrangheta is also believed to be involved, with authorities suspecting that mafia factions infiltrated the ultra groups, attracted by the profits some supporters' organizations allegedly earn through various illicit activities.

Police have also searched the homes of over 50 fans, including that of Giancarlo Lombardi, a former top AC Milan ultra nicknamed "The Baron," and Antonio Bellocco, a former local 'Ndrangheta boss and Inter fan who was killed a few weeks ago, allegedly by Andrea Beretta — another Inter capo.