Major Police Operation Uncovers Mafia Links Among Milan Ultras
In a significant crackdown on organized crime within Italian football, police and customs officials arrested 19 individuals in Milan as part of a sweeping investigation led by the anti-mafia prosecutor's office. This operation targeted the ultras of Inter Milan and AC Milan, revealing deep-rooted connections to the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia. The investigation highlights the alarming infiltration of criminal activities within the supporter groups of these two prominent football clubs.
Among those arrested are key figures such as Luca Lucci, the head of Milan's ultras, and Marco Ferdico, a prominent leader of Inter's ultras. Both are implicated in serious charges, including mafia-style criminal association, extortion, and forgery. The arrests come in the wake of the violent death of Antonio Bellocco, a well-known supporter linked to the 'Ndrangheta, who was killed earlier this month during a dispute involving rival factions.
The police operation, described as a
involved extensive searches and the execution of precautionary measures across the city. It underscores the growing concern over the intersection of football culture and organized crime in Italy, where illegal activities such as ticket scalping and drug trafficking are reportedly rampant within the ultras community. The Milan prosecutor's office continues to investigate the broader implications of these criminal networks, aiming to dismantle the influence of the mafia in Italian sports.
