It sounds like you're referring to the cinematic—and very real—armored car heist that just happened in Southern Italy. If you’ve seen the viral footage on social media, it looks less like a news report and more like a scene from Heat.
Here are the details on the most recent incident and a few other major ones that fit that description:
The Recent "Wall of Flames" Heist (February 9, 2026)
Just today, a highly organized crew staged a massive ambush on the SS613 highway between Brindisi and Lecce (Puglia region).
* The Tactics: A gang of 6–10 masked men used vehicles with flashing blue lights to impersonate police and pull over a Battistolli Group armored van. They then set several cars on fire to create a "wall of flames," blocking the highway in both directions.
* The Attack: They used military-grade explosives to blow the roof off the van. Footage from stranded motorists shows the bandits crouching behind cars as the blast sent debris into the air.
* The Outcome: Despite the explosion, a foam-based security system inside the van triggered, encasing the cash and thwarting the robbery. The gang fled empty-handed after a shootout with the Carabinieri (Italian police), carjacking passing motorists to escape. Two suspects have already been arrested.
The A2 Highway Tunnel Robbery (December 1, 2025)
Only a few months ago, another crew pulled off a successful heist in Calabria.
* The Loot: Approximately €2 million.
* The Execution: The crew blocked a tunnel on the A2 highway using burning trucks and scattered metal nails on the road to puncture the tires of any police cars.
* The Move: They fired submachine guns to keep security guards inside the van while they blew open the rear doors and made a clean getaway through a nearby exit.
Why Italy?
Italy has a history of these "paramilitary-style" robberies, particularly in regions like Foggia (Puglia). These crews are often described by authorities as being structured like small armies rather than typical street gangs. They use:
* Burning "Barricades": To trap the target and prevent police intervention.
* Caltrops/Nails: Specifically designed to shred high-speed pursuit tires.
* Heavy Weaponry: Kalashnikovs (AK-47s) are frequently used to intimidate guards and police.
It's pretty wild that this happened right in the middle of the Winter Olympics coverage in Italy—it certainly stole the headlines.
Would you like me to find the videos of the explosion or more details on the suspects who were just caught?
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