Italian police launch national crackdown on youth gangs

Italian authorities conducted a major law enforcement operation across 44 provinces to combat youth crime, involving over 1,000 police officers. The mission resulted in 539 total arrests, comprising 47 minors and 492 adults, with 954 formal criminal charges filed. During the raids, police seized over 700 kilograms of narcotics, 49 firearms, and 87 bladed weapons, alongside more than 300,000 euros in cash. The operation focused on high-traffic areas such as train stations, public parks, shopping centers, and nightlife districts in cities including Milan, Rome, Florence, Naples, Palermo, and Catania. Additionally, authorities identified and shut down 931 online profiles that promoted violence and the use of weapons. The operation was coordinated by the Central Operational Service (SCO) of the State Police. These actions underscore a nationwide effort to address the rise in youth-related criminal activity.