Three people, all arrested by the Carabinieri this summer, are facing immediate trial, an investigation has reached the ring's leaders, and several VIPs have been named among the victims : these are the key elements of the decree closing the investigation into the luxury watch snatchings committed in July and August on the Costa Smeralda.
The prosecutor Sara Martino requested and obtained an immediate trial (next December 15th) for three Franco-Algerians who allegedly organized the robberies in Porto Cervo. The Carabinieri also traced the gang's headquarters, which is believed to be in Milan.
The suspects are accused of stealing luxury watches, worth up to €300,000, from people they allegedly monitored and followed before the raids.
An incident described in the indictment occurred on July 23. Two people got out of a taxi, one a member of the Al Thani family (the rulers of Qatar, owners of the Costa Smeralda), the other a member of the Bahraini royal family, the Al Khalifas. One of the robbers approached the Al Khalifa prince, greeted him in Arabic, and then suddenly threw him to the ground.
The 34-year-old victim was immobilized, hands on his neck and face, and robbed of an expensive Patek Philippe Aquanaut watch. The robbery ended badly for the Franco-Algerians, who were identified and arrested by the Carabinieri.
The suspects, represented by lawyers Maria Assunta Argiolas and Salvatore Arcadipane, will now be able to request alternative proceedings. Some of the victims are represented by lawyer Rino Cudoni, who is pursuing all legal proceedings against the arrested individuals.