Three individuals have been sentenced for their roles in the high-profile robbery of Ferrari's F1 star Charles Leclerc. The total combined sentences add up to approximately 28 years but were reduced to around 22 years following an appeal, according to a report from Il Vaporetto.
The incident took place on April 18, 2022, in Viareggio, Italy. The target was Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, and the stolen item was a Richard Mille watch worth an estimated €2.5 million (£2 million). The robbers executed the carefully planned heist by having two men confront Leclerc directly, while others acted as sentries to ensure the operation went off without a hitch. Using a scooter and a rented SUV for the getaway, the scheme was meticulously orchestrated.
Despite this, authorities were able to develop a detailed investigation, thanks to CCTV cameras that had captured the crime in progress.
The case's high profile was further amplified by the Richard Mille brand, which is closely associated with elite athletes and is renowned for its extremely high-value timepieces. As a result, the robbery and subsequent investigation received extensive global media coverage.
This incident was not an isolated criminal act. On the same night, the accused trio attempted another wristwatch theft near Forte dei Marmi. Their target was a €40,000 Rolex Daytona, but their efforts were thwarted by vigilant passers-by. Moreover, they were also accused of attempting to rob a British manager earlier that evening by threatening him with a firearm to secure another valuable watch.
Sources such as Il Vaporetto revealed details about the meticulous planning of the robbery and the significant role of surveillance footage in solving the case. The information provided from these reports paints a clear picture of the complexity and audacity of the criminals' plans.
This comes after the Singapore Grand Prix which saw the Monegasque driver cross the line in the fifth position, picking up 10 points in the championship. Leclerc is currently running in the third position in the Drivers’ Standings with 245 points behind Max Verstappen and Lando Norris who are first and second with 331 and 279 points, respectively.
Ferrari is in third position in the Constructors’ Standings with 441 points. McLaren now leads the championship with 516 points, ahead of Red Bull with 475.
F1 2024 Constructors' Standings
1. McLaren - 516 points
2. Red Bull Racing - 475 points
3. Ferrari - 441 points
4. Mercedes - 329 points
5. Aston Martin - 86 points
6. VCARB - 34 points
7. Haas - 31 points
8. Williams - 16 points
9. Alpine - 13 points
10. Sauber - 0 points
