A former paratrooper with extensive experience in the San Marco Battalion, 39-year-old Giuseppe Iannelli, was one of two men arrested February 10, 2026, following an attempted armored car robbery on the SS613 Brindisi–Lecce highway. The same highway was the site of a €4 million robbery in 2024. This latest attempt was thwarted when the crew miscalculated their timing, leading to the arrest of Iannelli and 62-year-old Giuseppe Russo after a pursuit through the Salento countryside. Neither suspect has a prior criminal record.
The attempted robbery involved Kalashnikov rifles, white suits, and full-face masks. The crew used stolen vehicles and set a van on fire to block traffic, and planted explosives on the armored car’s door. The scheme mirrors previous incidents. The Battistolli armored car had just loaded a two-meter square safe filled with cash intended for the Bank of Italy branch in Lecce. The potential payout represented a life-changing sum of money.
Authorities believe at least six people were involved in the attempted robbery, and potentially as many as ten, considering the support needed to carry out the operation. The case highlights the continued threat of organized crime targeting high-value cash transports in the region.
Both Iannelli and Russo remained silent following their capture at the Campi Salentina barracks. The investigation is being coordinated by prosecutors Luca Miceli of Brindisi and Alessandro Prontera of Lecce.
On February 11, 2026, investigators coordinated with police and carabinieri in Foggia, who have experience with the territory where many of those involved in these types of robberies reside. Checks and searches were conducted in Foggia on February 10, 2026.
THE TWO MEN ARE IN CUSTODY: THE CHARGES
Following investigations and corroborating evidence, authorities arrested the two men on suspicion of attempted murder, aggravated robbery, possession of military and common firearms, explosives, aggravated assault on a public official, and resisting arrest. They are scheduled to appear before a judge to validate their detention in the coming hours.
During the attempted robbery, the group blocked the highway near Tuturano, detonated an explosive device, robbed a student of her car to aid their escape, and fired several shots at a carabinieri patrol vehicle during the pursuit, though no one was injured.
