Italian police arrested seven people on June 16, 2026, accused of belonging to an anarchist militant network linked to sabotage attacks across Italy [1, 2]. Five suspects were ordered held in prison while two were placed under house arrest [1, 2].
Two of the suspects are accused of carrying out a sabotage attack on February 14, 2026, targeting the Rome-Florence high-speed railway line [1, 2]. The damage to infrastructure was severe, with losses estimated at €455,000 ($528,000) [1].
The attack caused train delays on the Milan-Cortina route of over one hour during the Winter Olympics, which took place from February 6 to 22, 2026 [1]. The anarchist group claimed responsibility in a statement that cited anti-militarist goals and explicitly referenced the timing during the Olympic Games [1].
The network was reported to be based in Rome and had links to cells in Bologna, Milan, and Naples [1]. Rome prosecutors have issued additional search warrants targeting other suspects in multiple Italian cities [1].
A 40-page statement posted online also claims responsibility for a sabotage attack on the Transalpine Pipeline in March 2026, carried out by the same anarchist group [1].
Italian police have classified the group as an anarchist terrorist cell [2]. Authorities are continuing their investigations following these arrests.
