Italian police have apprehended 19 individuals accused of connections with the influential 'Ndrangheta mafia group, significantly impacting the fan clubs of Serie A teams Inter Milan and AC Milan. Prosecutors announced potential charges of criminal association, extortion, and assault. Authorities allege that the suspects tried to control lucrative activities at Milan's Giuseppe Meazza stadium, encompassing parking, food, ticketing, and souvenir sales. Some suspects are also suspected of drug trafficking.
Police conducted house searches on over 50 individuals, including former AC Milan top fan Giancarlo Lombardi, and Antonio Bellocco, a former local 'Ndrangheta boss. Among those detained were Luca Lucci and Renato Bosetti, leaders of the AC Milan and Inter Milan "ultras" fan groups.
The investigation extends to other notable figures such as Christian Rosiello, bodyguard to Italian rapper Fedez, and underscores risks of organized crime infiltrating soccer, emphasized Giovanni Melillo, Italy's anti-mafia prosecutor. Marcello Viola, Milan prosecutor, stated that Milan's soccer clubs are "offended parties" but must demonstrate severed ties with deviant supporters. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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