A weapons trafficking investigation is underway following the traditional transport of the Macchina di Santa Rosa in Viterbo, which occurred last night with the city’s lights unusually left on, breaking with tradition. The alert was triggered after two Turkish nationals, found in possession of automatic weapons, were arrested yesterday afternoon while staying at a guest house just meters from the monastery of Santa Rosa.
Checks into a potential terrorist plot are ongoing, though no evidence has yet been found. The two arrested Turks, aged 31 and 21, were stopped just hours before the ceremony. They declined to answer questions from Viterbo Prosecutor Massimiliano Siddi during interrogations, invoking their right to remain silent. They are now held in Viterbo prison on weapons trafficking charges. The automatic weapons in their possession were reportedly loaded and ready for use.
The pair may be connected to a wanted Turkish crime boss, arrested in Viterbo on August 26th on suspicion of leading a group dedicated to money laundering and violent crimes. He was hiding in a local guest house, where police also detained three other Turkish nationals. Further potential links exist to the arrest of another prominent figure in the Turkish mafia, Boris Boyun, who was captured in May 2024 in the Viterbo district of Bagnaia. Boyun was already subject to an international arrest warrant from Turkey for charges including murder, threats, assault, criminal association, and weapons violations. His arrest was part of a larger police operation that led to approximately 18 arrests across Sicily and the Viterbo province.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the operation on social media, stating: “Congratulations to the Law Enforcement agencies and Interior Minister Piantedosi for the swift intervention that led to the arrest of two armed Turkish citizens in Viterbo, just hours before the festival of the Macchina di Santa Rosa.” She added that it was a “decisive operation” that ensured the safe celebration of a UNESCO-recognized event deeply felt by the community.
In a separate proceeding, the trial of alleged Turkish mafia boss Baris Boyun, 41, is ongoing in Milan. He was jailed in May 2024 alongside associates on charges including transnational criminal association and leading an armed band with “terrorist purposes.” Currently, no investigative links have emerged between the two Turks arrested in Viterbo and this Milan case, though further checks will be made.
For security reasons following the arrests, the traditional transport of Santa Rosa’s tower took place with the city’s public lighting activated instead of in complete darkness, as is customary. This departure from tradition drew criticism and disappointment from some residents in attendance.