Italian police arrest 19 ultra fans linked to the mafia in a major football investigation

October 1, 2024 – (Milan) Italian police have arrested 19 prominent ‘ultra’ football fans linked to Inter Milan and AC Milan, many of whom are suspected of links to the ‘Ndrangheta mafia, prosecutors announced on Monday.

The investigation has revealed a disturbing transformation of fan clubs into organized crime syndicates, orchestrating ticket scams and running protection rackets at concession stands and parking facilities around the San Siro stadium, which serves as the home ground for both Serie A teams.

“This is an important investigation because it forces us to open our eyes to the reality, to the risks of mafia influence in the stadiums,” said Giovanni Melillo, chief prosecutor of the National Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism, during a press conference in Milan. .

Those arrested include leaders of the respective ultra groups, who allegedly pressured club officials and players to provide large quantities of tickets for resale. “Inter Milan and AC Milan are the damaged parties, victims,” said Milan chief prosecutor Marcello Viola. AC Milan has agreed to cooperate fully with the investigation, while Inter Milan has not yet commented.

The arrests follow the arrest of Andrea Beretta, a leader of the Inter-ultras, accused of the murder of Antonio Bellocco, a key figure in the Calabrian Bellocco ‘Ndrangheta syndicate. Police revealed that Inter fans had been doing illegal business with the mafia, with Beretta allegedly killing Bellocco over a financial dispute. Beretta has denied the allegations, claiming self-defense.

Despite the intense rivalry between Inter Milan and AC Milan, police noted that their ultra groups had previously concluded a non-war pact to maximize their illegal profits.

Prosecutors have pushed for a cultural shift within the fan community. “If there is no change in the way these operations function, those we have arrested will simply be replaced by others who will commit the same crimes,” warned Milan prosecutor Paolo Storari.

The investigation has led to calls for both clubs to reassess their relationships with fan groups, suggesting changes to their corporate structures are necessary to prevent further criminal infiltration. “Football is a business activity and criminal organizations are interested in all business activities. Unfortunately, we have not seen any complaints from the entrepreneurs who are victims,” warned Antonio Quintavalle, a general in the financial police.