Busto Arsizio police arrest three men for attempted train robbery

Three men were arrested by the Polizia di Stato following a violent attempted robbery on a train traveling from Milan to Varese on the evening of Sunday, August 23, 2026.

The incident began near the Parabiago stop, where the suspects boarded the train and targeted a young passenger in the final carriage. The attackers surrounded the victim, threw him to the ground, and used kicks and punches to demand a smartphone and 50 euros. One assailant simulated possessing a knife hidden in a bag to intimidate the victim.

The assault was interrupted by another passenger who intervened to protect the victim and allowed him to flee toward the front of the train. The passenger then alerted the conductor, who contacted the Varese police headquarters. Upon the train's arrival at the Busto Arsizio station, officers intercepted the three men as they attempted to blend in with departing passengers. One suspect resisted arrest before being immobilized. Authorities seized a large stone found during a search of one of the suspects' bags. The three individuals face charges of attempted robbery in concert.