Three individuals have been convicted for their role in the high-profile robbery of Ferrari F1 star Charles Leclerc. The total combined sentences amount to about 28 years but were reduced to about 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 thieves carried out 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 project was meticulously orchestrated.
Despite this, the authorities were able to carry out a detailed investigation, thanks to CCTV cameras which filmed the crime in progress.
The case’s notoriety was further amplified by the Richard Mille brand, closely associated with elite athletes and renowned for its extremely valuable timepieces. As a result, the theft and subsequent investigation received extensive global media coverage.
This incident did not constitute an isolated criminal act. The same night, the three accused attempted another wristwatch theft near Forte dei Marmi. Their goal was a €40,000 Rolex Daytona, but their efforts were thwarted by vigilant passers-by. In addition, they were also accused of attempting to rob a British manager earlier in the evening by threatening him with a gun in order to take another valuable watch.
Sources such as Il Vaporetto revealed details about the meticulous planning of the theft and the important role of surveillance footage in solving the case. The information provided by these reports paints a clear picture of the complexity and audacity of the criminals’ plans.
This follows the Singapore Grand Prix which saw the Monegasque driver cross the finish line in fifth position, thus collecting 10 championship points. Leclerc currently occupies 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 constructor rankings
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
