Mob Infiltration of Italian Soccer ‘Ultras’ Spreads Across the Country
Italian crime bosses and far-right elements are increasingly infiltrating hardline ‘ultra’ football fan groups across several Italian cities. According to Italy’s leading anti-mafia prosecutor, mobsters are not only tapping into the muscle and money-spinning activities of these groups but are also seeking to take control of smaller football clubs.
Investigations Reveal Deep-Rooted Ties
Investigations by Milan prosecutors and the national anti-mafia prosecutor have uncovered that ultra groups at Inter and AC Milan, two of Italy’s most prominent football clubs, have become deeply enmeshed with organized crime gangs. Prosecutors allege that leaders of the ultras, with links to members of the notorious ‘Ndrangheta mafia, are involved in ticket scams and protection rackets at the San Siro stadium, which both clubs share.
Arrests and a High-Profile Killing
In September, police arrested 19 high-profile members of the clubs’ ultras following the killing of Antonio Bellocco, a leading figure in the ‘Ndrangheta and a prominent Inter Milan ultra, outside a boxing gym. A 568-page arrest document revealed direct links between leaders of Inter’s ‘Curva Nord’—the main ultra group of the Italian champions—and the ‘Ndrangheta, Italy’s largest organized crime group.
“Inter as a club is in a subservient position in its dealings with members of the Curva Nord,” prosecutors stated. Subsequent investigations have also linked a leading AC Milan ultra to alleged drug trafficking and ties with the ‘Ndrangheta.
Impact Beyond Milan
The infiltration of criminal elements extends beyond Milan, affecting several other Italian cities. Mobsters are seeking to gain influence over fans and clubs at all levels of the professional game, highlighting a pervasive issue within Italian football.
Club Reactions
Both Inter and AC Milan, owned by U.S. investors, have stated they are cooperating with authorities. “I want to reassure all our fans that we are the injured party, as the authorities have said,” Inter President Giuseppe Marotta commented in October. AC Milan issued a statement saying they have provided all requested documentation to the authorities and are working on areas requiring intervention following guidance from the prosecutor’s office.
The Culture of ‘Ultras’
The phenomenon of ‘ultras’—supporters known for their passionate and often aggressive support—dates back to the 1960s. These groups bring banners, coordinate chants, and create elaborate displays at matches. However, they have long been associated with violence and have splintered into feuding factions over the years.
Giovanni Melillo, Italy’s Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Chief Prosecutor, remarked: “The stadium is a place where for a long time it was considered necessary to tolerate and at most contain examples of blatant illegality, governed by organized groups that exercise an almost military control over the stands.” He emphasized that such groups use “intimidation and violent retribution” to control business activities linked to football grounds.
