Related videos:
Italian police arrested two men—one of Cuban nationality and the other Chilean—accused of stealing a wallet in the Milan metro using the well-known "jacket technique," a method commonly employed by pickpockets who take advantage of crowded spaces to commit discreet thefts.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night on the Lilla line (M5) of the subway, which was packed with passengers heading to a concert at that time.
According to the portal Milano Today, the 31-year-old Cuban acted as a lookout while the 29-year-old Chilean covered his hands with a jacket to steal the wallet from the handbag of a 46-year-old Salvadoran woman.
Both descended at the Segesta station, where they were arrested by undercover agents from the Mobile Brigade, who had been tracking their movements from the street as part of an operation against thefts in public transportation.
The wallet was recovered on the spot and returned to the victim.
During the post-arrest search, it was discovered that the Cuban was also carrying a stolen iPhone from shortly before. The owner, a 49-year-old Italian woman, was located through geolocation and recovered the device shortly afterward.
Both thieves are facing charges of aggravated robbery in conjunction, and the Cuban was additionally accused of receiving stolen property.
This case adds to a series of recent criminal incidents in Italy involving migrants from Cuba.
A few days ago, a 39-year-old Cuban with a criminal record and irregular immigration status was arrested in Milan for his involvement in the violent robbery of a German tourist. In this incident, the victim was dragged several meters by a moving car while trying to retrieve her bag, and she had to be hospitalized.
Furthermore, Italian authorities have documented an increase in the involvement of Cubans in crimes such as drug trafficking and violent assaults.
In May, a 22-year-old Cuban naturalized Italian was arrested in the province of Mantua with over 24 kilograms of hashish.
Days earlier, another 27-year-old was arrested outside Milan for stabbing an Egyptian boy during an alleged drug deal. The minor passed away days later.
A concerning phenomenon
The increasing number of arrests of Cuban citizens in Italy has raised alarms among both the authorities and the public opinion.
The Milan police are bolstering their presence in the subway and tourist areas to curb crimes that tarnish the image of a city in the midst of a season filled with cultural and summer events.
Frequently asked questions about crime committed by Cubans in Italy
What is the "jacket technique" used in the theft on the Milan subway?
The "jacket technique" is a common method among pickpockets who take advantage of the crowding in busy places to commit covert thefts. In the case of the Milan metro, one of the arrested individuals used a jacket to cover their hands while extracting a wallet from a victim's bag.
What is the profile of Cuban citizens involved in crimes in Italy?
Cuban citizens involved in crimes in Italy are often migrants facing economic and social hardships, which leads them to engage in criminal activities. This pattern reflects the lack of opportunities in Cuba and the collapse of the system, leaving these individuals without resources or support networks abroad.
What measures is the Italian police taking in response to the increase in crime among Cubans?
The Milan police are enhancing their presence in the subway and tourist areas to curb the wave of crime. Furthermore, undercover operations and surveillance are being conducted to identify and apprehend those involved in criminal activities, as evidenced by the arrest of pickpockets in the subway.
How is the crime committed by Cubans affecting the image of Milan?
The rising crime committed by Cubans is tarnishing the image of Milan, especially during the season of cultural and summer events. The perception of insecurity could impact tourism and the daily lives of residents, raising concerns among both authorities and public opinion.
Filed under: