Venice arrests illegal porters for aggravated robbery and extortion

Italian police and the Venice prosecutor’s office carried out a coordinated raid that resulted in the arrest of several illegal porters accused of aggravated robbery and extortion. Mayor Simone Venturini praised the State Police, the Mobile Squad, the railway police and the San Marco Commissariat for their professionalism and said the operation tackles a "grave and unacceptable phenomenon" that harms residents, city workers and tourists. He added that the crimes undermine perceived safety, the quality of visits and the city’s image, and pledged continued collaboration with law‑enforcement to protect Venetians and visitors.

The arrests aim to curb abusive activities that exploit the city’s openness and tourism‑driven economy.