*Three men who dress in historic costumes and take photos with tourists in Rome have been arrested by Italy’s State Police. The police allege they extort tourists by demanding money after suggesting taking a selfie.*
*The Questura di Roma, or Rome police department, investigated the men, who typically stand outside of the Colosseum, an iconic ancient amphitheater and popular tourist site in the Italian capital, dressed as gladiators or Roman Army commanders known as centurions.*
*Foreign tourists submitted complaints about the three men in August and September, alleging they took 500 euros – about $525 U.S. dollars – from them, police said in a Facebook post.*
*The men acted similarly outside the Flavio amphitheater, inviting “victims” to take a photo with them and then “demanded, even with violence and threats,” money, the Questura di Roma said in a Facebook post.*
*A tourist from northern Italy reported one of the men asked for 40 euros for a photo, but when they refused, two of the men allegedly threatened to beat him and then took 150 euros.*
*A tourist from Ireland said he told the men he had no money and they allegedly forced him to go to the nearest ATM, where he withdrew 200 euros. The men were dissatisfied and made him withdraw another 50, investigators say.*
*Investigators identified the three men and two are being detained under house arrest, while the other is in custody, because he didn’t have a suitable place to fulfill house arrest. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.*
I know it’s a funny headline but a fellow Irishman allegedly forced to go to an ATM to withdraw money – that’s definitely not something that can be tolerated at a busy tourist area.
Wow they sound like real pieces of shit. Robbing a man for 250 euro and probably many more victims.
Times like these you think a pan European labour camp on some barren island would be a good idea.
Smashing rocks from 5am to 5pm. In the hot sun. Probably the best rehabilitation centre you could have.
Normally it’s just heavily implied that you need to pay them and they mention ringing the police to try and get you to pay them. Forcing you to an ATM seems to be a new tactic.
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**Full Transcript Below:**
*Three men who dress in historic costumes and take photos with tourists in Rome have been arrested by Italy’s State Police. The police allege they extort tourists by demanding money after suggesting taking a selfie.*
*The Questura di Roma, or Rome police department, investigated the men, who typically stand outside of the Colosseum, an iconic ancient amphitheater and popular tourist site in the Italian capital, dressed as gladiators or Roman Army commanders known as centurions.*
*Foreign tourists submitted complaints about the three men in August and September, alleging they took 500 euros – about $525 U.S. dollars – from them, police said in a Facebook post.*
*The men acted similarly outside the Flavio amphitheater, inviting “victims” to take a photo with them and then “demanded, even with violence and threats,” money, the Questura di Roma said in a Facebook post.*
*A tourist from northern Italy reported one of the men asked for 40 euros for a photo, but when they refused, two of the men allegedly threatened to beat him and then took 150 euros.*
*A tourist from Ireland said he told the men he had no money and they allegedly forced him to go to the nearest ATM, where he withdrew 200 euros. The men were dissatisfied and made him withdraw another 50, investigators say.*
*Investigators identified the three men and two are being detained under house arrest, while the other is in custody, because he didn’t have a suitable place to fulfill house arrest. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty.*
I know it’s a funny headline but a fellow Irishman allegedly forced to go to an ATM to withdraw money – that’s definitely not something that can be tolerated at a busy tourist area.
Wow they sound like real pieces of shit. Robbing a man for 250 euro and probably many more victims.
Times like these you think a pan European labour camp on some barren island would be a good idea.
Smashing rocks from 5am to 5pm. In the hot sun. Probably the best rehabilitation centre you could have.
Normally it’s just heavily implied that you need to pay them and they mention ringing the police to try and get you to pay them. Forcing you to an ATM seems to be a new tactic.
Chaddus Maximus
That’s robbery with extra steps