Several top ultras of Milanese football clubs have been detained on the accusation of forming criminal groups aiming to take control of businesses in and around the San Siro stadium.
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Italian police arrested 19 people on Monday accused of forming mafia groups connected with the football business, in a move that has "decimated" the leadership of fan groups backing two iconic Serie A clubs, domestic media reported.
Most detainees are top ultras — or hardcore fans — of Milanese football clubs FC Internazionale and AC Milan. Charges include criminal conspiracy, employing "mafia methods," extortion, assault and other serious crimes. The Calabrian mafia group 'Ndrangheta might be involved, authorities also said.
The ring was allegedly attempting to take control of several business activities at Milan's Giuseppe Meazza stadium — also known as San Siro — such as food, tickets and fan souvenir sales, and paid parking management. However, authorities believe they might also have been involved in drug trafficking.
Some of the most notable people detained include Alex Cologno and Christian Rosiello — whom the Italian press called "friends and bodyguards" of Fedez, a famous rap artist and music producer. Police also arrested Luca Lucci, an acquaintance of far-right Lega party leader Matteo Salvini.
They also searched the houses of over 50 fans, including that of Giancarlo Lombardi, a once top AC Milan ultra nicknamed "The Baron," as well as that of Antonio Bellocco, a former local 'Ndrangheta boss who was killed a few weeks ago, allegedly by Inter ultra.
Inter and Milan fans have been bound by a "non-belligerence pact" since 1981, following the death of a 21-year-old fan.
However, authorities say the agreement between the two groups has now turned into a business deal aimed at "making profits and jointly governing every possible profitable aspect of football."