Three Colombians arrested for theft on Lake Maggiore: one detained in Ticino

Context

TL;DR

• Colombian gang stole CHF 50,000 jewellery in June 2025.
• Thieves stalked victim for weeks, knew hidden compartment.
• All three gang members arrested by April 2026.

Key facts

• Cosa: Furto di gioielli per CHF 50,000
• Quando: Giugno 2025
• Dove: Tra Arona e Stresa, Lago Maggiore
• Chi: Tre cittadini colombiani
• Arresti: Uno arrestato in Ticino il 4 aprile 2026, altri due precedentemente
• Collaborazione: Polizia ticinese, Carabinieri Verbania, autorità francesi
• Metodo: Pedinamento e conoscenza delle abitudini della vittima
• Valore rubato: Tre rotoli di gioielli in oro, titanio e pietre preziose

A gang of three Colombians carried out a CHF 50,000 jewellery heist targeting a goldsmith entrepreneur on Lake Maggiore. The incident, which took place between Arona and Stresa in June 2025, involved the thieves stealing three rolls of gold, titanium, and precious stone jewellery from the boot of a car parked during a lunch break. The criminals had been stalking the victim for weeks and seized the opportunity when the professional momentarily let his guard down. The victim had hidden the valuables in a hidden compartment in the car’s boot, but the thieves were already familiar with the system and made off with the haul within minutes.

The Ticino cantonal police played a key role in dismantling the gang, arresting one of the three members on 4 April 2026 on cantonal territory. The other two suspects had already been caught: a 30-year-old in Monza in October 2025 and a 44-year-old in France on 20 March 2026, thanks to collaboration with French authorities. Investigators pieced together the criminal plot by cross-referencing data from two separate incidents: the actual theft and a roadside check in which one of the thieves had been stopped months earlier. During that encounter, police recorded his personal details, the licence plate, and the model of the car later used to tail the victim and flee after the robbery.

The thieves’ method: stalking and knowledge of routines

The three gang members, all Colombian nationals, had meticulously studied the victim’s habits. After identifying his route between Arona and Stresa, they followed his car for weeks, learning his movements and usual stops. Unaware of the danger, the professional had chosen to conceal the jewellery samples in a secure compartment inside the boot, accessible only via a hidden mechanism. However, the thieves were already aware of this solution: during a roadside check in May 2025, one of them had been stopped and police recorded the vehicle’s details. This same car was later used to follow the victim to the Stresa pier, where the theft was carried out.

The pre-trial detention order had already been issued in October 2025, but only in recent days have further details of the investigation emerged following the arrest of the final gang member. The Ticino cantonal police confirmed their pivotal role in the operation, working in synergy with the Carabinieri from Verbania and French authorities.

📊 Key takeaway: The thieves’ meticulous planning and insider knowledge of the victim’s routines enabled them to execute the heist in just a few minutes, despite the valuables being hidden in a concealed compartment. The case highlights the importance of vigilance, even during routine stops.

⚠️ Warning: This incident underscores the risks faced by professionals transporting high-value goods, particularly in areas frequented by cross-border commuters. Always ensure secure storage and avoid predictable routines.

Operational details

The arrest in Ticino of one of the three members of the Colombian gang raises questions about how cross-border workers and Italian entrepreneurs operating in the Canton of Ticino can protect their assets during border crossings. The case highlights how criminals do not act randomly, but instead study the habits and routes of their victims, even exploiting the time between administrative checks and verifications.

For Italian entrepreneurs transporting high-value goods between Piedmont and Ticino, the risk is far from theoretical. The case near Lake Maggiore shows how thieves can take advantage of short stops to act undetected, especially if victims fail to implement advanced security measures. The three rolls of stolen jewellery, worth 50,000 francs, represent a significant financial loss, but the greater damage lies in the theft of unique samples that are nearly impossible to replace.

Before vs after: what has changed for those transporting valuable goods?

Before the incident:

• Entrepreneurs relied on a security system based on hidden compartments inside vehicle trunks, which were considered sufficiently safe.
• Road checks were seen as routine, with no direct link to future criminal activity.
• Law enforcement only intervened after a report was filed, often when the damage had already been done.

After the incident:

• Thieves have demonstrated the ability to connect information from past checks to future criminal plans, making greater caution necessary.
• Authorities emphasize the importance of cross-border police collaboration, as seen in the arrest of the third gang member in France.
• Entrepreneurs are urged to revise their transport procedures, adopting GPS tracking systems or private escorts for high-value goods.

💡 Practical advice: For those transporting valuable goods between Italy and Ticino, it is advisable to avoid stops in isolated areas and to use monitored parking lots. Additionally, promptly reporting any unusual road checks to law enforcement can help prevent future attacks.

The role of institutions: from capture to prevention

The Ticino cantonal police played an active role in the operation, working closely with the Carabinieri from Verbania and French authorities. The arrest in Ticino of the 43-year-old suspect — an undocumented individual with no fixed address but known for property crimes — demonstrates how law enforcement can intervene even months after criminal events. However, the question remains: how many similar cases are still ongoing without being uncovered?

Cross-border collaboration proves crucial. Without the intervention of French authorities, the third gang member would still be at large. This underscores the importance of shared protocols between Italy, France, and Switzerland to combat organized crime operating across borders.

Impact on the Ticino territory: security and perception

The arrest in Ticino not only dismantles a dangerous gang but also sends a strong signal to both residents and cross-border workers. The Canton of Ticino, already known for its security, demonstrates that justice acts swiftly even in complex cases involving foreign nationals.

For cross-border workers in the commercial or craft sectors, the news may raise further concerns. However, cantonal authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to prevention, encouraging entrepreneurs and citizens to report suspicious behaviour.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

If you're an entrepreneur or professional transporting high-value goods between Italy and Ticino, here's what you can do to protect yourself following the case involving the Colombian gang on Lake Maggiore.

Step 1: Assess your current security measures

• Check your trunk: Ensure the hidden compartment for valuables is inaccessible without deliberate effort. Consider installing an alarm system or an additional lock.
• Avoid stops in isolated areas: Opt for monitored parking lots or busy areas, especially when transporting high-value goods.
• Use GPS tracking: For exceptionally valuable items, a tracker can act as both a deterrent and a recovery tool in case of theft.

Step 2: Report any suspicious checks

If you’ve been stopped by foreign law enforcement in a particularly intrusive manner—such as targeted questions about your work or travel plans—reporting the incident to Ticinese authorities can help prevent future attacks. You can contact:

• Ticino Cantonal Police: via the official website or by visiting a police station.
• Italian Carabinieri: if the check occurred in Italy, file a report to create a useful precedent for investigations.

Step 3: Collaborate with law enforcement

If you’ve been a victim of theft or have information about similar incidents, contact immediately:

• Ticino Cantonal Police: Emergency number 117 (from Switzerland) or +41 91 814 51 11 (from abroad).
• Verbania Carabinieri: Emergency number 112.

Your report could be the key to dismantling other gangs operating in the area.

Step 4: Update your company procedures

If you transport high-value goods on behalf of your business, update your internal protocols:

• Train employees: Ensure anyone transporting samples is aware of the risks and security measures.
• Split shipments: Avoid carrying all samples in a single container or vehicle. Distribute them across multiple vehicles or compartments.
• Use private escorts: For high-value transports, consider hiring security guards or escort services.

What if you're a cross-border worker transporting goods in Ticino?

• Customs regulations: Transporting goods between Italy and Ticino is subject to customs checks. Ensure you declare the value of goods accurately to avoid penalties.
• Insurance: Verify that your policy covers theft during cross-border travel. Some insurers require specific reporting procedures.
• Work permits: If you're a cross-border worker transporting goods for work, ensure all your documents are in order to avoid legal complications.

Useful tools for entrepreneurs and cross-border workers

For those operating commercially between Italy and Ticino, our portal offers practical tools to navigate cross-border daily life:

• Car transfer cost calculator: Evaluate costs related to travel between Italy and Ticino, including tolls and fuel.
• Customs check guide: Discover the main border crossings used by commuters and the procedures to follow.
• Goods insurance comparator: Compare insurance policies for high-value goods transport.

📊 Key case details:

💡 Do not underestimate the risk. The security of your goods also depends on the actions you take today. Report suspicious behavior and update your transport procedures to avoid becoming a target for thieves.

⚠️ Stay vigilant. The security of your business relies on proactive measures.

Source: ilgiornaledelticino.ch