Police Dismantle Car Theft Ring in Cerignola, Arrest 25

13-05-2025


In a significant crackdown on organized crime, Italian police have arrested 25 individuals in Cerignola, dismantling a sophisticated network involved in car thefts, dismantling, and the illegal sale of vehicle parts. The operation, dubbed 'Stolen II,' was the culmination of months of investigative work by the Trani Prosecutor's Office, with support from various law enforcement agencies. The group's operations were described as highly organized, capable of stealing up to seven vehicles in a single day, with a swift process to dismantle and redistribute parts through illicit channels.

The criminal organization had established a veritable industry around stolen vehicles, with operations extending from theft to the recycling and resale of parts, both domestically and internationally. Investigators uncovered that the group utilized rural areas in the Barletta-Andria-Trani province to dismantle the stolen vehicles, with parts then carefully packaged and sold. The operation not only highlights the scale of the criminal enterprise but also the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling such networks.

During the operation, law enforcement faced direct risks, with four officers injured when suspects attempted to flee, ramming a police vehicle in the process. This incident underscored the dangerous nature of the group, which employed violent methods to evade capture. The arrests and subsequent seizures mark a significant victory for the authorities, disrupting a major source of illegal activity in the region.

The Trani Prosecutor's Office has praised the collaborative effort of the involved agencies, emphasizing the importance of such operations in combating organized crime. The success of 'Stolen II' serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by criminal networks and the ongoing need for vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement to protect communities and uphold the law.

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