Three Illegal Porters Arrested in Venice for Extorting Tourists

Italian police arrested three foreign luggage‑carriers after linking them to a series of extortion, robbery and intimidation incidents targeting tourists from East Asia and the Middle East. The crimes took place between February and March 2026 around the Venice Santa Lucia railway station and the Ponte della Costituzione (Calatrava bridge), where the suspects seized bags and demanded arbitrary payments, sometimes resorting to threats and physical violence.

The investigation, conducted by the State Police, the Mobile Squad of Venice and the Railway Police, resulted in custodial orders from the Venice Tribunal. A fourth suspect remains at large. Local officials, including Mayor Simone Venturini and Questore Antonio Sbordone, said the operation underscores the city’s commitment to protecting visitors and preserving Venice’s image.

Authorities emphasized that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat illegal porter activities that have long been perceived as invasive in the city’s main tourist gateway.