Messages discussing weapons, police attacks and luxury store robberies trigger a nationwide investigation.
MILAN
Italian police have carried out approximately 150 searches across several provinces after investigators uncovered WhatsApp conversations discussing attacks on officers, the theft of police weapons and possible robberies targeting commercial establishments. The operation follows violent disturbances in Milan on October 17 and 18, raising concerns about the organization of criminal activity during public demonstrations.
The investigation began in Monza and Brianza after police identified messages allegedly encouraging participants to conceal their identities during confrontations. Searches conducted on October 22 at the homes of two minors uncovered balaclavas and clothing suspected of having been stolen during the Milan disturbances.
Investigators subsequently examined a mobile phone that led them to a WhatsApp group containing more than 230 participants.
According to police accounts, the conversations included references to knives, smoke devices, improvised weapons and plans to assault officers. Some participants also discussed taking police firearms, damaging vehicles and setting government buildings on fire.
Messages reportedly mentioned a possible robbery involving a Gucci store and another commercial establishment. However, discussing an attack does not establish that it was carried out or that every participant intended to commit a crime.
The findings contributed to a nationwide preventive operation on October 24, coordinated by Italy’s Central Directorate of Preventive Police.
Officers seized knives, brass knuckles, a telescopic baton, blank-firing pistols, balaclavas and other potentially dangerous objects. In Brianza alone, searches involved 32 people across 16 municipalities.
A separate judicial investigation concerns Youssef Siher, a 30-year-old researcher detained on October 24 over his alleged involvement in organizing and promoting activities associated with the October 17 Movement.
Prosecutors accuse Siher of incitement to criminal activity, aggravated by alleged terrorist intent, and organized violence during demonstrations.
During questioning at Milan’s San Vittore prison, Siher exercised his right to remain silent before investigating judge Tiziana Landoni.
His defense lawyers deny that he encouraged violence or terrorism and have requested his release.
The judge is expected to decide whether to validate his detention and authorize continued custody. No criminal conviction has been established.
The proceedings also involve two distinct investigative tracks: the WhatsApp conversations uncovered by police and the allegations concerning Siher’s online activities. Authorities have not established that all individuals connected to the messaging group participated in a single coordinated criminal organization.
The case illustrates the growing importance of digital communications in investigations involving public disorder. Messaging records may provide evidence of intentions, planning and connections between individuals, but their legal significance depends on authentication, context and corroboration.
For Italian authorities, the immediate priority is identifying responsibility for specific violent acts while preventing further incidents.
The broader challenge is ensuring that investigations distinguish criminal conduct from lawful political expression and peaceful participation in demonstrations.
The searches have produced material evidence and new investigative leads. Whether prosecutors can establish organized criminal responsibility will depend on the judicial process.
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