A Slovakian man, who had been on the run from Italian authorities for 16 years, was apprehended upon his return to attend the Winter Olympics to support his nation’s ice hockey team. The 44-year-old, whose identity has not been disclosed, was stopped by police before reaching the arena as there was an outstanding arrest warrant issued in 2010 related to multiple shop thefts he allegedly committed. The Carabinieri police confirmed that he is now required to serve 11 months and seven days in prison.
Authorities located the fugitive after he checked into a guesthouse on the outskirts of Milan despite being wanted. He was swiftly taken into custody and transferred to the central San Vittore Prison. Meanwhile, Slovakia’s men’s ice hockey team achieved a surprising victory over Finland, further complicating the situation for the apprehended man.
The Winter Games ice hockey events are taking place at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milan. The man’s intention to attend a game at the former venue on Wednesday night was interrupted by his arrest. Slovakia, having won a bronze medal in Beijing four years ago, is now competing in the Winter Olympics for the first time since Sochi 2014.
At the ongoing Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, there have been notable incidents, including the unfortunate leg injury suffered by American skier Lindsey Vonn. On a brighter note, Jutta Leerdam, the fiancée of Jake Paul, secured a gold medal in speed skating after upgrading from a silver in Beijing. Team GB is still awaiting their first medal, with high hopes resting on skeleton world champion Matt Weston’s performance in the upcoming final.
For fans following the games, discovery+ offers over 850 hours of live action coverage via Prime Video with the £3.99 Entertainment subscription. Throughout the Olympics, TNT Sports 2 provides continuous Olympic coverage as part of the subscription.