In a shocking turn of events, Tancredi Antoniozzi, a 22-year-old son of Alfredo Antoniozzi, a deputy of the Fratelli d’Italia party, has been arrested and charged with leading a gang specializing in the theft of luxury Rolex watches in the affluent areas of northern Rome. The police operation, which began in December 2024, has unveiled a network of meticulously planned robberies that targeted young victims identified through social media.
The investigation kicked off on December 15, 2024, when officers from the Ponte Milvio police station responded to a report of an attempted burglary at a residence on Via Gallese. The house belonged to Manuel Fiorani, one of the individuals implicated in the robberies. Upon questioning, Fiorani confessed to participating in two robberies with Antoniozzi on December 9 and December 11, 2024, revealing the extent of their criminal activities.
The police operation has been described as a significant success in dismantling a criminal enterprise that instilled fear among the youth of northern Rome. Victims were often peers of the gang members, targeted for their luxury items, particularly Rolex watches. Antoniozzi and his accomplices would stalk their victims, studying their habits and movements, often following them from gyms or restaurants before launching their attacks.
According to Fiorani, who has turned state's witness, Antoniozzi displayed a violent and intimidating demeanor. "If you talk, I'll kill your mother," he allegedly threatened Fiorani multiple times, coercing him into participating in the robberies. This chilling threat illustrates the level of control Antoniozzi exerted over his accomplices.
Tancredi Antoniozzi’s criminal history is not new. In May 2024, he was apprehended by the Carabinieri while speeding in a Range Rover through central Rome, where he reportedly assaulted the officers. He received an eight-month sentence for resisting arrest and causing injury. Furthermore, he had been under investigation for a brawl in Cortina d’Ampezzo in January 2022, where he and others attacked a group of young men from Treviso.
The police have stated that the gang's modus operandi involved not only robbery but also extortion. In one instance, after stealing a Rolex Daytona valued at 20,000 euros from a victim, Antoniozzi allegedly attempted to extort an additional 8,000 euros by pretending to assist the victim in recovering his stolen watch.
Fiorani’s collaboration with authorities provided crucial insights into the gang's operations. He revealed that Antoniozzi had asked him to deliver cocaine on his behalf, which further entwined Fiorani in the criminal activities. The gang's operations were characterized by a level of sophistication that surprised investigators, who noted that the gang meticulously planned their actions, often conducting surveillance on their victims.
As the investigation progressed, the police also identified David Cesarini, 28, who was already in custody for unrelated offenses, as a key player in the robberies. Meanwhile, Michael Giuliano, 25, and Manuel Fiorani, 24, remain under investigation but are currently free. The authorities are piecing together the full extent of the gang's activities, which may include other robbery attempts and a failed heist in the Parioli district.
The Public Prosecutor's Office of Rome, led by prosecutor Claudia Terracina, is reconstructing the network of this gang, with surveillance footage and phone records playing a pivotal role in linking Antoniozzi to the December robberies. The investigation has raised concerns about the culture of violence and impunity that seems to have taken root among affluent youth in Rome.
The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate criminal activities. The involvement of a political figure's son has sparked outrage and concern about the influence of privilege and power in the realm of crime. The judge overseeing the case described Antoniozzi as "unrestrained" and noted his "marked tendency to commit crimes" with a sense of impunity, suggesting that his family connections may have contributed to his boldness.
As the legal proceedings unfold, many are watching closely to see how the justice system will respond to this high-profile case. The public outcry for accountability is palpable, with many demanding that the legal repercussions be severe enough to deter similar behavior in the future.
In the wake of this scandal, the Fratelli d’Italia party and its leadership face scrutiny as they navigate the fallout from the revelations surrounding Antoniozzi's actions. The political ramifications could be significant, as constituents demand transparency and accountability from their elected officials. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling organized crime, especially when it intersects with political families.
As Tancredi Antoniozzi awaits trial, the case continues to evolve, revealing deeper issues related to youth culture, crime, and the potential for reform within the system. The community of northern Rome, once seen as a bastion of wealth and privilege, now grapples with the unsettling reality that crime can lurk even among its most affluent residents.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities determined to uncover the full extent of the gang's operations and hold all responsible parties accountable. As more details emerge, the hope is that this case will lead to meaningful change and a renewed commitment to public safety in the region.
