Due to an increased number of attempted robberies targeting jewellery companies in the Arezzo area, Italian authorities started investigating the events to identify potential links between the crimes. The crime scenes and recovered clothing and tools were analysed, as well as video surveillance and telephone traffic. The authorities were able to quickly connect the attempted robberies to a group of Romanian criminals.

Only a few hours after the criminals tried to commit another robbery, authorities arrested two suspects and retrieved the stolen gold, silver and brass with an estimated value of EUR 200 000. Afterwards, authorities located the base of the robbers in Romania and tracked the vehicles they used to commit their crimes.

As the robbers were located in Romania, Italian authorities needed to work with their Romanian counterparts and plan their arrests. Through Eurojust, collaboration was smooth and efficient, ensuring that the suspects were identified, European Arrest Warrants were executed and restrictive measures were taken against the robbers.

On 24 April, Romanian and Italian authorities worked together to locate and arrest four suspects. Searches were also carried out where evidence was collected, which will further support the investigation. Authorities will continue to investigate the criminal group, looking for connections to other criminal activities.

The following authorities carried out the operations:

• Italy: Public Prosecution Office Arezzo; State Police – Counter crime Squad of Arezzo; Caribinieri – Company of Arezzo
• Romania: Prosecution Office of the Court of Appeal Galati; Prosecution Office of the Local Court of Galati; Prosecution Office of the Local Court of Targu Bujor; Directorate for Criminal Investigations of Romanian Police; Service for Criminal Investigations from Local Police Inspectorate; Service for Special Actions; Local Inspectorate for Gendarmerie