In a thrilling and dangerous heist, Italian robbers pulled off a real-life version of the iconic film The Italian Job. On a motorway in southern Italy, a group of masked men, armed with Kalashnikovs, held up an armoured truck, causing a dramatic explosion that sent shockwaves through the region.
The daring robbery took place on the 613 state road between Lecce and Brindisi in Puglia, just after dawn on a Monday morning. Footage captured by passing motorists revealed a shocking scene: at least six masked individuals, some dressed in white overalls, emerging from parked cars around the targeted van.
As the robbers approached, some were seen brandishing firearms and crouching behind vehicles. In a scene straight out of the 1969 cult classic, an explosion erupted, sending smoke and debris into the air, and tearing off the van's back doors and roof. The robbers appeared to be unloading the van's contents into a getaway car, and some of the vehicles they parked had removable flashing lights, suggesting a potential attempt to disguise themselves as police in unmarked cars.
The aftermath of the explosion was captured in photographs, showing a red van in flames. The van belonged to a rental company called Over Rent, and its owner, Carlo Casafina, confirmed it had been stolen about a week prior. He suspected the stolen van was set on fire to block the motorway.
As the robbers fled, Carabinieri pursued them, and officers were fired upon during the chase, according to the SIM Carabinieri union. A bullet-riddled Carabinieri car was captured in a photograph, but thankfully, no officers or civilians were injured, as Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated.
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the theft, and Italian media reported that they were caught as they fled through a field after abandoning an Alfa Romeo car. Carabinieri officials confirmed the arrest but did not disclose if further arrests were made. The police operation is still ongoing.
Puglia, the region where the heist took place, is notorious for its high number of attacks on armoured vehicles, ranking second among Italy's 20 regions. According to the union for security guards, Savip, approximately €1.6 billion worth of valuables were stolen from 2019 to 2023. In 2024, a similar assault occurred just a few kilometres away, targeting a haul of €3 million.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting armoured vehicles and the valuable cargo they carry in Italy, leaving authorities and citizens alike on high alert.
