In the summer of 2010, according to the Carabinieri investigations, they had staged a series of sensational robberies in Porto Cervo, Olbia and other towns in coastal Gallura.
A group of Italian nomads living in Tuscany had rampaged along the Costa Smeralda and had been nicknamed "the emery gang" for their skill at cracking safes. The Tempio Pausania Court declared the statute of limitations on all charges, 16 years after the incident.
Among the victims was Paolo Mammola, Undersecretary of Labor, in office at the time. Rings, Rolex watches, necklaces, and bracelets worth a total of €250,000 were stolen from his villa in Porto Cervo.
Another robbery by the gang took place at the residence of a Roman countess. 70 gold and diamond rings, 80 gold bracelets, 70 necklaces with precious stones and pearls, 15 designer watches, including three Rolexes, and several ancient coins were stolen. The Carabinieri recovered a large portion of the stolen goods. One of the key figures involved in the investigation was Mariolino Alasia, defended by criminal lawyer Mario Perticarà.
