Italian police uncover gang that stole Versace clothing for five years

Italian authorities have dismantled a criminal network that stole designer clothing from a Versace warehouse over a period of five years.

The gang consisted of eight individuals who carried out thefts between 2021 and 2025. Among them were three employees of the logistics company servicing the warehouse in Novara, who had access to the loading area and removed items under the guise of legitimate shipments, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

The investigation began by chance, after a Versace employee noticed a branded hoodie listed on the Vinted platform. The item had previously gone missing from the warehouse. The clothing was sold with all original tags, but at nearly half the retail price.

Authorities discovered that the gang leader earned approximately €27,000 per year, yet maintained a luxurious lifestyle. “He posted photos on social media wearing a Versace jacket worth €8,000 and vacationing at resorts,” investigators noted. Police also found dozens of stolen items, a Rolex watch, and envelopes of cash in his grandmother’s garage.

The members of the gang face charges of organized theft and money laundering. The court has ruled that the gang leader must serve a prison sentence.

Criminals are increasingly targeting valuables such as watches and cash. In Granada, Spain, on October 31, jewelry was stolen from the image of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary in the Church of Santa Cruz la Real. According to the Fraternity of the Rosary of Granada, the stolen items were private donations from believers.

Security cameras recorded two individuals with uncovered faces entering the church. The alleged criminals approached the chapel unhindered and removed the jewelry.

By Vafa Guliyeva