Italian Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Organized Crime Infiltration in Football
In a major operation, Italian authorities arrested 19 individuals suspected of having ties to the notorious ‘Ndrangheta mafia organization, which has been linked to various criminal activities, including extortion, assault, and drug trafficking. The investigation has shed light on the group’s alleged attempts to exert control over lucrative business ventures surrounding Milan’s iconic Giuseppe Meazza stadium, including parking, concessions, ticket sales, and souvenir shops.
Prosecutors accuse the suspects of using “mafia methods” to further their criminal agenda, and some may have been involved in drug trafficking. The investigation has also led to the arrest of several high-ranking members of the AC Milan and Inter Milan fan groups, including Luca Lucci and Renato Bosetti, who have been accused of leading the groups’ illegal activities.
The operation has sparked concerns about the infiltration of organized crime into professional and amateur football. According to Italy’s anti-mafia prosecutor, Giovanni Melillo, “This investigation highlights the risks of organized crime creeping into the sport. We can no longer turn a blind eye to these risks.”
The investigation has also put pressure on Milan’s two football clubs to demonstrate their commitment to preventing wrongdoing. While the clubs have implemented measures to prevent illegal activities, they must now prove that they have severed ties with any deviant supporters. As Milan prosecutor Marcello Viola emphasized, “The clubs are victims of this criminal activity, but they must also take responsibility for ensuring that their fans are not involved in illegal activities.”
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