Police say the attackers shattered a window, pulled the 24-year-old man out first, and then forced the woman from the car as she tried to cover herself. The man told investigators he was held down by two of the assailants while his fiancée was dragged a short distance away and raped. He said he screamed for help at the time, but couldn’t break free as he begged them to stop, reports the Daily Mail.
After the assault, the group fled. The couple, both Italian, contacted authorities immediately. Officers said the pair were frightened and disoriented when they arrived, and noted it is possible up to five individuals were involved.
Investigators later arrested three Moroccan nationals on charges of gang sexual assault and robbery. Two suspects were located by Rome’s Flying Squad in the days after the October 25 attack, while a third was detained in Verona more recently.
Police kept the arrests quiet while they continued collecting evidence.
Fingerprints found on the broken window matched the three men now in custody. Officers also confirmed the assault began as a robbery, with the couple’s belongings stolen during the attack. The suspects are believed to be connected to local drug activity. Detectives said the “investigation isn’t closed,” and more arrests may follow.
Italy has seen a series of high-profile sexual assault cases tied to migrant perpetrators over the past two years, sparking national outrage and renewed debate over illegal migration. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has repeatedly linked illegal immigration to rising sexual violence, pointing to several recent attacks across the country.
