In a shocking turn of events, Tancredi Antoniozzi, a 22-year-old son of Italian parliamentarian Alfredo Antoniozzi, has been arrested for allegedly leading a gang responsible for a series of violent Rolex robberies in northern Rome. The gang, which has instilled fear in the Ponte Milvio area and beyond, reportedly targeted victims identified through social media, following them before executing their bold thefts.
Antoniozzi's arrest, along with 28-year-old David Cesarini, marks a significant development in an ongoing investigation that has also implicated two other young men, Manuel Fiorani, 24, and Michael Giuliano, 25, who are currently under investigation but remain free. The gang's modus operandi included not only the theft of luxury watches but also attempts at extortion, known as "cavallo di ritorno," where victims were pressured to pay a ransom for the return of their stolen items.
According to the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office, led by Judge Emanuela Attura, the gang's activities escalated significantly over a few months, resulting in multiple incidents of robbery that shocked the community. The police investigation began on December 15, 2024, following reports of an attempted break-in at Fiorani's residence on via Gallese. Fiorani, who has since confessed to being an accomplice in several robberies, identified Antoniozzi as one of the perpetrators involved in the incidents that took place on December 9 and December 11, 2024, including one on via Cavalier d'Arpino.
Fiorani recounted how he met Antoniozzi at the Juvenia gym in July 2024, where Antoniozzi initially offered him a job delivering cocaine. Their relationship quickly escalated into criminal activities, culminating in the violent robberies for which they are now under investigation. During police interrogations, Fiorani revealed the extent of Antoniozzi's aggressive behavior, including threats made against him and his family, stating that Antoniozzi had threatened to kill his mother if he contacted law enforcement.
Tancredi Antoniozzi's background adds a layer of complexity to the case. The son of a prominent political figure, Alfredo Antoniozzi, who is affiliated with the Fratelli d'Italia party, Tancredi has previously encountered legal troubles. In the past, he was sentenced to eight months in prison for resisting a public official after an incident where he allegedly kicked police officers. Additionally, he was investigated for his involvement in a brawl in Cortina d'Ampezzo three years ago.
The police's swift action and the subsequent arrests have been met with a mix of relief and disbelief from the local community, which has been on high alert due to the gang's brazen tactics. Victims of the robberies were often followed from upscale locations or identified through social media, making the gang's operations particularly unsettling. The police have emphasized the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in combating such criminal activities.
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the full extent of the gang's operations and any potential connections to larger criminal networks. The involvement of young individuals in such serious crimes raises questions about social influences and the pressures that may lead them down a path of violence and crime.
The case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public figures and their families, particularly when their children become embroiled in criminal activities. Alfredo Antoniozzi has yet to publicly comment on his son's arrest, but the implications for his political career and public image are significant.
In light of these developments, community leaders and law enforcement officials are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The swift apprehension of the suspects serves as a reminder that crime will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrators' backgrounds.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the story of Tancredi Antoniozzi and his alleged gang will likely continue to dominate headlines, raising questions about youth crime, accountability, and the impact of familial legacies in the face of public scrutiny.
