In a police operation coordinated by the Squadra mobile in Milan, nine complaints were filed against a group known as 'maranza', a term used to describe young troublemakers associated with street crime. The operation took place early in the morning, amid the lingering fog of Via Padova, where law enforcement targeted neighborhoods impacted by youth gang activities. The accused include five minors, with one as young as 14, revealing the concerning trend of juvenile involvement in serious crimes such as theft and robbery.

The police conducted searches in various modest homes and discovered both real and fake weapons, as well as other offensive items. The allegations against the accused include illegal possession of weapons, threats, and dangerous acts, raising alarm among local residents. The crackdown is part of a broader strategy to tackle youth crime, which has escalated in these areas, particularly noted around New Year's Eve when traditional fireworks often disguise the sounds of illegal activities.

The investigation, led by prosecutors Maura Ripamonti and Sabrina Ditaranto, underscores the urgent need for intervention in communities affected by these issues. With reports of rising juvenile delinquency, the authorities are aiming to address the root causes and deter further criminal behavior among youths, while drawing attention to the vulnerability of neighborhoods grappling with such emerging crime.