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Two brothers linked to the Lazio ultras group 'Irriducibili' - diehards - have been arrested and accused of 'mafia-like behaviour' in a bid to profit from contracts for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Italian prosecutors had ordered the arrest of Leopoldo and Alvise Cobianchi, as well as a third party.
The trio were accused of extortion and robbery aggravated by mafia methods in a 57-page order from a judge in Venice, along with alleged attempts to infiltrate contracts for next year's Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Cortina.
Prosecutors stated that the Cobianchi brothers had 'presented themselves as bosses of the Roman underworld' when travelling to Cortina.
The order stated that the brothers are said to have 'boasted and flaunted' their links to former ultras leader Fabrizio Piscitelli - known as Diabolik -, who was killed in an ambush in August 2019, in an attempt to warn and act as a 'symbol of their criminal calibre'.
A cooperating witness reportedly confirmed their interests in Cortina, where they frequented especially during the Christmas holidays, with the pair accused of adopting a criminal strategy in the resort.
Brothers linked to a notorious ultras group have been arrested over an attempt to infiltrate the awarding of contracts for next year's Winter Olympics in Cortina
The brothers have been linked to the Lazio ultras Irriducibili and were said to have talked up their links to Fabrizio Piscitelli who was killed in 2019 - with the group honouring him with a banner weeks later
The brothers and their associates were said to have gained control over drug dealing in Cortina with a network of pushers, who threatened to beat up insolvent users and rival dealers.
Prosecutors allege that one incident saw a drug user by forcibly be locked in the boot of a car and threatened with death, as well as beatings of two 'unauthorized' drug dealers.
They were then accused of making threats and using violence to control nightlife activities in the Alpine resort, as well as hiring compliant PRs, DJs and bouncer run through a Rome-based security company, overseen by the third party.
The brothers allegedly sent a message to nightclub owners, stating 'We are mafiosi, don't mess with us.'
This included an alleged attack on an event organiser at a venue, who was allegedly 'dragged into the woods in the dead of winter, beaten, and threatened with a gun'.
The owner was reportedly ordered to stop any activity not approved by the organisation and report the takings to them.
Death threats were also allegedly made against the owner of a refuge used as a restaurant and nightclub.
Prosecutors allege the brothers attempted the extortion of Stefano Ghezze, a former councillor of the municipal council in attempt to secure Olympic contracts.
The brothers have been accused of 'mafia-like' methods in an attempt to control drug dealing in the Alpine resort
The brothers were accused of presenting themselves as businessman and offer electoral support for the June 2022 local elections - an offer neither requested or accepted by Ghezze.
In return the brothers had expressed their interest in securing contracts related to construction work ahead of the Olympic Games.
The brothers were said to have sent a threatening message demanding the awarding of contracts to Ghezze after the election, but the politician did not follow through on the request.
The Carabinieri's anti-mafia division, who launched Operation Reset in 2024, confirmed the arrest of the brothers and an associate on Wednesday.
The Italian news agency ANSA reported that Leopoldo Cobianchi has been held in prison, after being deemed to have a 'leadership role over his brother and the other suspect'.
Alvise has been placed under house arrest, with their associate has been ordered to remain in Rome.
The Carabinieri stated the arrests followed an investigation lasting over one year, which involved wiretapping, the installation of CCTV cameras, as well as well as the questioning victims.
Investigators confirmed the criminal proceedings are yet to be concluded and have invited members of the public with information to report it.
Italy’s Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanche thanked law enforcement agencies, stating the arrests would help to preserve the image of Cortina as a ‘safe destination’ ahead of the Olympics.
The brothers were accused of attempting to extort a politician in a bid to land Olympic contracts
‘This operation, which dismantled a criminal gang active in one of Italy's most popular destinations, represents an important step in the fight against crime and demonstrates the constant commitment of law enforcement to ensuring the safety of citizens and tourists,’ Santanche said.
‘The Carabinieri's work not only guarantees legality, but also helps preserve Cortina's image, especially in view of the Olympics, as a safe and welcoming destination.
‘Thank you for your dedication and professionalism in maintaining order and tranquility.’
Italy will host the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina from February 2 to 22, with the Paralympics following from March 6 to 15.
