Criminal Gang Uncovered in Italy That Stole Versace Clothing for Five Years

The Italian police have uncovered a criminal gang that had been stealing clothing from the Versace brand's warehouse for almost five years and selling it on online platforms at almost half the retail price.

According to La Stampa, the investigation began inadvertently when a Versace employee noticed a unique size 58 jacket that had previously disappeared from the brand's warehouse in Novara, Piedmont, being sold on the Vinted online platform.

The thieves sold the garments with new brand labels, but at significantly lower prices. Among the stolen items was a unique dress marked as a 'prototype' that Versace had not included in sales.

The gang consisted of at least eight individuals, three of whom worked for a transportation company and had free access to the warehouse loading area. According to investigators, they could have earned about 2 million euros (around 187 million rubles).

The group's leader was known for his love of a lavish lifestyle, often showcasing it on social media. Police discovered dozens of stolen garments, Rolex watches, and large sums of cash hidden in his grandmother's garage.

Currently, the group's leader is in custody, while criminal cases have been opened against the other participants on charges of organized theft and money laundering. Italian authorities continue the investigation to determine if the criminal network is linked to other European brand thefts.