It sounds like a 1970s police movie plot transported to modern times, but it's reality. A plumber from Piacenza recognized some stolen equipment online and contacted the carabinieri. The investigation, which began in January 2023, took a long time but ultimately reached its goal: a gang specialized in stealing racing bicycles, construction equipment, and fraudulently using credit cards was dismantled by the carabinieri of Rivergaro.

The preliminary investigations judge in Piacenza, Francesca Gigli, issued a precautionary custody order against some group members, charging them with criminal association. Two suspects were ordered into custody, while the arrest request for others was rejected and they remain under investigation. Eleven people are being investigated. The investigative activity identified a structured organization with well-defined roles. Some members physically carried out the thefts, while others managed the stolen goods' resale, often online.

Numerous documented incidents were uncovered. Among these, the theft that occurred on the night between February 21 and 22, 2023, targeting two bicycle shops in Castel San Giovanni: on that occasion, seven bicycles worth a total of 35,000 euros were stolen.

Thefts often occurred during cycling races. Their modus operandi was always the same: vehicles were forced open and stolen merchandise was immediately transported to a warehouse to be resold as quickly as possible. The suspects operated across various Northern Italian provinces, including Piacenza, Cremona, Rimini, Ferrara, and also carried out raids in Siena and Pistoia.