Police arrest 19 people with links to powerful mafia group | World News

Italian police have arrested 19 people accused of criminal links to the powerful ‘Ndrangheta mafia group.

The arrests have decimated the number of fan clubs supporting Serie A teams Inter Milan and AC Milan, with charges ranging from criminal organization to “mafia methods,” according to prosecutors.

“Mafia methods” include extortion, assault and other serious crimes.

According to the extensive investigation, the criminal gang was linked to the ‘Ndrangheta – the Italian mafia organization that has become one of the most powerful crime syndicates in the world in recent years, rivaling the better-known Sicilian mafia.

Prosecutors allege that the suspects sought to take control of all lucrative business activities surrounding Milan’s Giuseppe Meazza Stadium – also known as San Siro – including parking, food, tickets and souvenir sales.

Investigators said some of the suspects may also have been involved in drug trafficking.

Police searched the homes of more than 50 people, including Giancarlo Lombardi, once a top AC Milan fan known as “The Baron”, as well as that of Antonio Bellocco, a former local “Ndrangheta boss” a few weeks ago was killed.

Among those arrested were Luca Lucci and Renato Bosetti, leaders of the “Ultras” fan groups of AC Milan and Inter Milan respectively. Lucci had previously been convicted of drug-related offenses.

Among those arrested was Christian Rosiello, described by local media as a bodyguard for popular Italian rapper Fedez.

“This investigation shows the risks of a creeping infiltration of professional and amateur football by organized crime,” said Italy’s anti-mafia prosecutor Giovanni Melillo. “We need to stop pretending we don’t see these risks.”

Milan prosecutor Marcello Viola clarified that the two Milan football clubs were “offended parties” in the investigation because they had introduced rules to prevent misconduct.

“But they must also prove that they have severed any relationship with dissident supporters,” Mr. Viola added.

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