A man who evaded law enforcement for nearly two decades has been apprehended in a dramatic arrest at the Winter Olympics, where he aimed to watch his home nation compete in ice hockey. Italian authorities confirmed the capture on Friday, February 13, after the fugitive traveled to Milan to support Slovakia during the Milan-Cortina Winter Games.
Long-Running Manhunt Ends in Olympic City
The arrest occurred on Wednesday, February 11, marking the conclusion of a 16-year period on the run for the individual, whose identity remains undisclosed. According to reports from the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, he was sought on a 2010 warrant for charges related to commercial theft in Bolzano, located approximately 125 miles northeast of Milan.
Hotel Tip-Off Leads to Capture
Italy's military police successfully tracked the fugitive after he checked into a guesthouse on the outskirts of Milan. Staff at the accommodation alerted the authorities, who promptly arrived at his room and took him into custody, as detailed by the Italian news agency ANSA.
Following his arrest, the man was transported to Milan's San Vittore prison, where he is set to serve an 11-month and seven-day sentence. This development prevented him from witnessing Slovakia's ice hockey match, which took place at Milan's Santagiulia Arena on the same day as his capture.
Slovakia's Olympic Performance Amidst Arrest
In the game the fugitive missed, Slovakia secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Finland. The team continued its campaign with a 3-2 win against host nation Italy on Friday, but faced a setback with a 5-3 loss to Sweden in their final preliminary game on Saturday, February 14.
The men's hockey tournament remains in the group stage, with upcoming games on Saturday and Sunday determining whether Slovakia advances or must compete in a sudden-death match. The arrest adds a unique twist to the Olympic narrative, highlighting the intersection of international sports and law enforcement efforts.
This case underscores the extensive reach of police operations, even during major global events like the Winter Olympics. The fugitive's attempt to blend into the crowd of sports fans ultimately failed, leading to his long-overdue accountability for the alleged crimes from over a decade ago.
