Rolex Gang Busted: 13 Arrested for Luxury Robberies Across Europe

UA vast operation by the State Police has dismantled a dangerous gang of Neapolitans and Caserta residents specializing in thefts and robberies of luxury watches, primarily Rolexes.

Contents

1 A transnational criminal network
2 The modus operandi
3 Leaders from Ibiza Prison

The action led to the execution of a precautionary measure issued by the preliminary investigations judge of the Court of Lucca, at the request of the Public Prosecutor's Office, against 13 individuals seriously suspected of criminal conspiracy aimed at committing property crimes.

The investigation, conducted by the Lucca Flying Squad and the Forte dei Marmi Police Station, coordinated by the Central Operations Service, led to the identification of the members of a criminal group of approximately 22 individuals, all originally from Campania. The gang specialized in quick and violent heists, with a total estimated haul of €374.000.

A transnational criminal network

The organization's reach was much broader than initially assumed. Investigations revealed the existence of a transnational criminal organization, with ramifications not only in Italy (Forte dei Marmi, Milan, Turin), but also abroad, particularly in Spain (Ibiza), France (Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez), and Germany (Monaco).

Thanks to the investigative assistance of the Spanish and French police, activated through European investigation orders, it was possible to document the existence of a perfectly structured criminal syndicate, consistently dedicated to thefts, robberies, and the subsequent receiving of luxury watches. The gang benefited from a network of supporters who provided logistical support, procuring rental homes, cars, false documents, and license plates.

The modus operandi

Investigators from the Lucca Flying Squad have reconstructed a well-established modus operandi. The robbers, riding motorcycles and followed by accomplices in cars, would travel the busiest streets of tourist destinations, hunting for their victims. Once they identified their target, they would wait for the right moment—for example, when the victim was getting out of the car or leaving a bar—to then attack them and snatch their watch.

The violence used was often extreme: some victims, including elderly people, were punched in the face and chest. Each member of the gang had a specific role: from the actual perpetrators of the robberies to those responsible for transporting the scooters used in the crimes, including abroad, to evade security and carry out similar heists with the same brutality.

Some members were identified thanks to unique details: one of the individuals was recognized because he was photographed on three occasions wearing the same pair of shoes, another was identified from a photo showing him from behind on a motorbike, but with his face visible in the rearview mirror.

Leaders from Ibiza Prison

A surprising element that emerged from the investigation concerns the organization's leadership. Two of the suspects, believed to be at the top of the association as promoters and organizers, continued to direct operations even while detained in Ibiza, where they had been arrested for Rolex robberies.

From there, they maintained contact with their associates in Italy, providing operational instructions, choosing and approving the gang members, the locations to be hit, and financing travel and transportation.

Among the members there were also those who were responsible for finding the "logistical bases" for the "criminal transfers".

Following the execution of precautionary measures, nine of the suspects were placed under house arrest with electronic bracelets, while four were required to report to the Judicial Police. For the more marginal positions, the rest of the gang were charged and released.

The operation saw the operational contribution of the Naples Flying Squad and the support of the Flying Squads of Caserta, Foggia, Avellino, and Salerno, as well as the Campania Crime Prevention Unit, all coordinated by the Central Operations Service.

Article published by Giuseppe Del Gaudio on July 23, 2025, at 11:33 PM

Joseph Del Gaudio

Giuseppe Del Gaudio, a professional journalist since 1991. A lover of action films, sports, and South American culture. His motto: "Work is good, not working is tiring."

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Read the comments

Jari94 says:

July 23, 2025 - 17:33 at 17:33

L'operazione della polizia è stata molto grande e ha portato all'arresto di molti personi. È importante che questi gruppi vengano fermati, ma mi chiedo come sia possibile che ci siano così tanti furti di orologi di lusso.