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 taken into custody by police before he could even reach the arena. He had been wanted since 2010 for a string of thefts, and now faces a sentence of 11 months and seven days.
Authorities located the fugitive when he checked into a guesthouse on the outskirts of Milan, opting to return to Italy despite being a wanted criminal. His intention to attend an ice hockey event at the Winter Games was cut short as he was promptly arrested and taken to San Vittore Prison.
In a twist of fate, Slovakia’s men’s ice hockey team scored a stunning victory over Finland, adding to the irony of the situation for the apprehended man. Slovakia, known for winning bronze in Beijing, is making a comeback to the Winter Games after their last appearance in Sochi 2014.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has seen its share of drama, with standout performances and unexpected outcomes. Notably, Team USA’s Lindsey Vonn suffered a dramatic crash during a race, while Jutta Leerdam secured a gold medal in speed skating, bringing tears of joy to her partner, Jake Paul.
As Team GB continues to strive for their first medal, hopes are high for skeleton world champion Matt Weston, poised for success in the upcoming finals. The Winter Games, which run from February 6-22, offer over 850 hours of live action on discovery+, with the £3.99 Entertainment subscription providing access to comprehensive Olympic coverage on TNT Sports 2 throughout the event.
