Milan: Two Young Men Arrested for Robbery with a Fake Watch
Milan, April 24, 2026 – Two young men, aged 18 and 25, have been arrested by the State Police on charges of aggravated robbery following a violent incident that occurred on April 3rd in Via Nicola Romeo, Milan. The duo, whose faces were concealed by full-face helmets and who were armed with pistols, terrorized a 56-year-old shopkeeper, threatening him and striking him with a weapon to force him to hand over his watch. However, the robbery took an unexpected turn when it was discovered that the stolen timepiece was not a luxury item, but rather a replica valued at a mere 200 euros.
The Dynamics of the Robbery
According to the reconstruction provided by the agents of the “Anti-Robbery” Section of the Flying Squad of Milan, the two young men entered the business and immediately threatened the owner with a gun, striking him with the barrel and forcing him to kneel. An employee present in the shop was also compelled to kneel while the robbers demanded the watch, which they believed had been stolen by the owner. Following the theft, the two criminals swiftly fled the scene on a scooter. The State Police, however, wasted no time in launching an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Investigations and Identification of the Suspects
The investigations, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Milan, gained significant momentum through the meticulous analysis of surveillance camera footage. This analysis revealed crucial details regarding the movements of the robbers both before and after the incident. The combination of advanced technology and the sharp observational skills of the investigators ultimately led to the identification of the two young men.
During a subsequent search conducted after the arrests, authorities discovered and seized two 9mm Bruni 92 model blank pistols, which had been modified by removing their red caps. These weapons were confirmed to have been used during the robbery to intimidate the victim.
Precautionary Measures and Arrests
Following the comprehensive investigations, the Preliminary Investigation Judge of the Court of Milan issued a pretrial detention order for the two young men. They have been formally charged with aggravated robbery and illegal possession of a weapon. The arrested individuals are currently in the custody of the judicial authorities, awaiting further legal proceedings.
The incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the State Police in Milan to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens and businesses. The swift resolution of this case underscores the effectiveness of modern investigative techniques and inter-agency cooperation in bringing criminals to justice.
The State Police continue to urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in crime prevention.