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A 32-year-old Cuban was arrested last Friday, January 9, in Milan after stealing a woman's wallet on a tram and attempting to withdraw money with her bank card just minutes later.
The incident occurred in broad daylight and under the watchful eye of the police, who were already keeping an eye on him due to his suspicious behavior, according to local Italian media reports.
According to Milano Today, the arrest occurred around 5:10 PM in the area of Piazza V Giornate, when agents from the sixth section of the Mobile Brigade discreetly followed the man as he persistently watched the bags of passengers on tram number 9.
In the middle of the journey, the Cuban sat down next to a woman who had her bag on her lap, and using his backpack as a shield, he managed to steal her wallet without the victim noticing.
After getting off at the next stop, the man quickly headed to a bank branch on the corner of Viale Piave and Nino Bixio, where he attempted to withdraw cash using a debit card he had found inside the stolen wallet.
However, he did not get far. The agents, who had witnessed the entire sequence, intercepted him at the scene and proceeded with his arrest. The wallet was recovered and returned to the woman.
The Cuban, who had a criminal record, was reported for aggravated theft and misuse of credit cards, according to details provided by Pop Il Giornale Popolare, which highlighted the swift action taken by the authorities upon confirming the attempted fraudulent use of the card.
The arrest is part of a broader operation by the Milanese police to combat pickpocketing in tourist areas and public transportation, a recurring issue in the city.
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