Armored Truck Heist in Livorno: The Sardinian Gang and the Intervention of GIS and Tuscania

On March 28, 2025, along the Aurelia road in San Vincenzo (Livorno), a group of eleven men carried out a spectacular heist against two armored trucks of the Battistolli company, stealing about 3 million euros intended for pensions. The operation was characterized by meticulous planning and a rapid and violent execution, using war weapons and stolen vehicles to block the trucks. Despite the precision of the action, a trivial mistake led to their capture: a note with two phone numbers, forgotten at the crime scene, provided investigators with a starting point for the investigation.

The arrests were made at dawn on May 19, 2025, in a large-scale operation involving over 300 carabinieri, including the special units of the Corps. The arrested, all of Sardinian origin and aged between 33 and 54, were betrayed by the discovery of a small note forgotten on the ground with two phone numbers. The investigations led to the identification and arrest of the gang members in the provinces of Nuoro, Pisa, and Bologna.

The Role of GIS and the 1st Paratrooper Regiment "Tuscania"

The Special Intervention Group (GIS) and the 1st Carabinieri Paratrooper Regiment "Tuscania" are two of the elite units of the Carabinieri Corps, specialized in high-risk operations and complex scenarios.

The GIS was established in 1978 as a response to the terrorism emergency and has evolved its capabilities over time, becoming a "Tier 1" special force in the Italian Armed Forces. Its dual nature allows it to operate both in judicial police contexts and in military missions, both in Italy and abroad.

The 1st Regiment "Tuscania", on the other hand, is a component of the Carabinieri Corps with a strong military tradition, specialized in police operations and international missions. Based in Livorno, the regiment is known for its preparation and ability to intervene in high-risk scenarios.

Both units participated in the "Drago" operation, contributing with their specific skills to the success of the intervention and the capture of the gang members.

Duties and Organization of GIS and the 1st Carabinieri Paratrooper Regiment "Tuscania"

The Special Intervention Group (GIS) and the 1st Carabinieri Paratrooper Regiment "Tuscania" are two of the most important and specialized units of the Carabinieri Corps, each with tasks and functions that intertwine in ensuring national security and effectiveness in high-risk operations. These special forces have distinct organizational structures and tasks, but they are both ready to face the most critical situations with high preparation and precision.

Special Intervention Group (GIS)

The GIS is one of the most versatile and ready forces of the Carabinieri Corps, born in 1978 to respond to the terrorism emergency that characterized those years. Its main function is to intervene in high-risk crisis scenarios, such as kidnappings, counter-terrorism operations, and support for special military operations. It is, in fact, one of the main units in managing unconventional threats, such as international terrorism and high-security situations.

The GIS has a structure that allows it to operate with speed and precision. It is framed within the 2nd Mobile Brigade of the Carabinieri, but when necessary, it can be activated directly by the General Command for urgent operations in national or international contexts. It is composed of several highly specialized operational companies, including a Negotiator Unit, which plays a fundamental role in negotiations in case of crisis, thanks to its psychological preparation, communication skills, and language competencies.

Among its main tasks, the GIS is called to intervene in hostage rescue operations, high-risk counter-terrorism and judicial police operations, but also to support the Italian and allied armed forces in out-of-area operations. Thanks to its experience, the GIS is also a valuable resource in international missions, where the context of instability requires adaptability and rapid intervention capabilities.

1st Carabinieri Paratrooper Regiment "Tuscania"

The 1st Carabinieri Paratrooper Regiment "Tuscania", on the other hand, is a unit with a strong military tradition, specialized not only in police operations but also in international peacekeeping missions and complex war scenarios. Based in Livorno, the regiment is known for its high intervention capability in hostile environments, ranging from amphibious operations to mountain operations, and even in complex urban scenarios. Its preparation also includes support for the Italian armed forces in international missions, such as those in Afghanistan and Kosovo.

The regiment is organized into a Regiment Command, a Paratrooper Carabinieri Battalion, and a Training Unit. Each section is tasked with specific operations, such as maintaining order in emergency situations, occupying strategic positions, and providing logistical support for overseas missions. A fundamental aspect of the regiment is the training of both internal personnel and other special units of the Corps, ensuring a level of preparation that allows them to face any type of threat.

Moreover, the 1st Regiment "Tuscania" is also one of the main protection forces for high-ranking state officials, a role it has played in numerous international contexts. Its structure and the high specialization of its members make it essential in operations requiring precision, speed, and a high level of preparation.

Both units share a high level of physical, psychological, and tactical preparation, making them capable of facing the most serious challenges. The GIS, with its ability to intervene in complex operations, and the 1st Regiment "Tuscania", with its preparation in war and security scenarios, represent a fundamental resource for the Carabinieri Corps, confirming their leading role in special operations at both national and international levels.