Police in Italy and Brazil have recovered stolen artworks worth millions in a major international operation targeting art theft and trafficking.

The recovery marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to trace and retrieve valuable artworks that had been reported stolen. Authorities are continuing their investigations into the origin, movement and suspected networks connected to the recovered pieces.

Watch this report for the latest details on the recovered artworks and the international investigation.


Police in Italy and Brazil Recover Stolen Artworks Worth Millions

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A fly-tipper in Sicily, Italy, has been fined after he reportedly trained his dog to dispose of waste at an illegal dumping site to avoid being spotted by security cameras, police have said. The incident came to light after Catania’s municipal police shared CCTV footage of the scene on the city’s official Facebook page, showing a small dog walking along Via Pulacara in the San Giorgio district with a bag of rubbish in its mouth before neatly dumping it at the illegal site.&nbsp;In a statement, the municipal police’s environmental unit said surveillance cameras recorded two clear videos of the animal leaving rubbish on the street. Authorities noted that the behaviour appeared intentional, indicating the dog had likely been trained so its owner could avoid being caught on camera while illegally dumping waste.&nbsp;“Inventiveness can never become an alibi for incivility,” the city of Catania said in a post on Facebook along with the footage that was filmed in the San Giorgio neighbourhood. “This is a scene which leaves little room for doubt: the animal has been trained to allow the owner to avoid being filmed while it abandons rubbish illegally. This behaviour is cunning but doubly wrong because, apart from dirtying the city and violating the rules, it exploits an unwitting four-legged friend," the city of Catania added.<h3>Illegal dumping is common in Catania&nbsp;</h3>Illegal dumping has become increasingly common in Catania following the introduction of door-to-door waste collection, where different materials are collected on separate days. Many residents reportedly find sorting waste too inconvenient and instead discard rubbish along roadsides at night.&nbsp;To curb the practice, police have installed surveillance cameras and sifted through dumped waste to trace offenders using documents such as bills or receipts. During a recent enforcement drive, authorities identified and fined 39 violators, police said. Under Italian law, the unlawful disposal of waste, including ordinary household trash, can result in fines ranging from 1,500 euros to 18,000 euros, and may also carry criminal liability.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hang-in-there-punch-rejected-baby-monkey-carries-plushie-everywhere-internet-rallies-behind-him-this-is-his-story-1771568748975">Meet internet's new sweetheart: Punch, baby monkey who carries a plushie everywhere. THIS is his story</a> &nbsp;

Under Italian law, the unlawful disposal of waste, including ordinary household trash, can result in fines ranging from 1,500 euros to 18,000 euros, and may also carry criminal liability.

A fly-tipper in Sicily, Italy, has been fined after he reportedly trained his dog to dispose of waste at an illegal dumping site to avoid being spotted by security cameras, police have said. The incident came to light after Catania’s municipal police shared CCTV footage of the scene on the city’s official Facebook page, showing a small dog walking along Via Pulacara in the San Giorgio district with a bag of rubbish in its mouth before neatly dumping it at the illegal site. In a statement, the municipal police’s environmental unit said surveillance cameras recorded two clear videos of the animal leaving rubbish on the street. Authorities noted that the behaviour appeared intentional, indicating the dog had likely been trained so its owner could avoid being caught on camera while illegally dumping waste. “Inventiveness can never become an alibi for incivility,” the city of Catania said in a post on Facebook along with the footage that was filmed in the San Giorgio neighbourhood. “This is a scene which leaves little room for doubt: the animal has been trained to allow the owner to avoid being filmed while it abandons rubbish illegally. This behaviour is cunning but doubly wrong because, apart from dirtying the city and violating the rules, it exploits an unwitting four-legged friend," the city of Catania added. Illegal dumping is common in Catania Illegal dumping has become increasingly common in Catania following the introduction of door-to-door waste collection, where different materials are collected on separate days. Many residents reportedly find sorting waste too inconvenient and instead discard rubbish along roadsides at night. To curb the practice, police have installed surveillance cameras and sifted through dumped waste to trace offenders using documents such as bills or receipts. During a recent enforcement drive, authorities identified and fined 39 violators, police said. Under Italian law, the unlawful disposal of waste, including ordinary household trash, can result in fines ranging from 1,500 euros to 18,000 euros, and may also carry criminal liability. Also read: Meet internet's new sweetheart: Punch, baby monkey who carries a plushie everywhere. THIS is his story

Under Italian law, the unlawful disposal of waste, including ordinary household trash, can result in fines ranging from 1,500 euros to 18,000 euros, and may also carry criminal liability.

Man in Italy fined for training his dog to illegally dump waste

A diver off the coast near Arzachena town in Sardinia, Italy, has uncovered a remarkable cache of fourth-century bronze coins, with initial assessments based on weight pointing to 30,000 to 50,000 pieces. The coins were found scattered across a sandy area between the beach and underwater seagrass. The team also suggested that fragments of amphorae likely came from workshops in Africa and parts of Asia, indicating trade movement through this route in late Roman times, according to a report in Earth.com.&nbsp;“The treasure found in the waters off Arzachena represents one of the most important coin discoveries,” in recent years, said Luigi La Rocca, general director of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape at Italy’s Ministry of Culture.&nbsp;The heritage of the government led archaeology to set the tone for the discovery, finding it an exact moment in the economy and politics of the Roman world, a time when new rulers and reforms reshaped daily transactions.<h3>Where were the coins found?</h3>These coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment.&nbsp;Researchers identified two primary scatter zones within sandy patches framed by thick seagrass. This natural boundary is significant, as the roots of the plants stabilise the sand while still leaving coins and pottery fragments partly exposed at the surface.&nbsp;Among the findings are broken amphorae, suggesting the site was linked to active trade routes across the Mediterranean. With some vessels originating from North Africa and others from the eastern provinces, the evidence indicates that merchants were combining goods from multiple regions on a single journey.<h3>What coins tell us about money?</h3>Most of the coins are follis, a sizeable bronze piece introduced during Diocletian’s monetary reform. The earliest examples weighed close to ten grams and were coated with a thin layer of silver, an attempt to make base metal appear more valuable.&nbsp;As time passes, a signal of the pressures any empire faces while trying to fund armies, bureaucracy, and public works, the silvering and weight slipped. However, the face value of the coins kept everyday trade moving even as the metal content declined.&nbsp;By the early fourth century, folles served as a common currency across the Roman Empire. A sailor settling his bill used the same denomination a farmer used inland, making hoards like this valuable for historians in tracing the circulation and reach of currency.&nbsp;Though small in size, coins provide rich historical insights. Their images, inscriptions, and mint marks reveal rulers, political messages, and minting locations. Studying collections highlights broader patterns, such as links between coin surges and military or political events, or trade routes across seas.&nbsp;Metal composition and corrosion layers preserve environmental traces, while striking marks shed light on ancient minting techniques and workshop practices, making coins vital tools for historical research.

The coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment.

A diver off the coast near Arzachena town in Sardinia, Italy, has uncovered a remarkable cache of fourth-century bronze coins, with initial assessments based on weight pointing to 30,000 to 50,000 pieces. The coins were found scattered across a sandy area between the beach and underwater seagrass. The team also suggested that fragments of amphorae likely came from workshops in Africa and parts of Asia, indicating trade movement through this route in late Roman times, according to a report in Earth.com. “The treasure found in the waters off Arzachena represents one of the most important coin discoveries,” in recent years, said Luigi La Rocca, general director of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape at Italy’s Ministry of Culture. The heritage of the government led archaeology to set the tone for the discovery, finding it an exact moment in the economy and politics of the Roman world, a time when new rulers and reforms reshaped daily transactions. Where were the coins found? These coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment. Researchers identified two primary scatter zones within sandy patches framed by thick seagrass. This natural boundary is significant, as the roots of the plants stabilise the sand while still leaving coins and pottery fragments partly exposed at the surface. Among the findings are broken amphorae, suggesting the site was linked to active trade routes across the Mediterranean. With some vessels originating from North Africa and others from the eastern provinces, the evidence indicates that merchants were combining goods from multiple regions on a single journey. What coins tell us about money? Most of the coins are follis, a sizeable bronze piece introduced during Diocletian’s monetary reform. The earliest examples weighed close to ten grams and were coated with a thin layer of silver, an attempt to make base metal appear more valuable. As time passes, a signal of the pressures any empire faces while trying to fund armies, bureaucracy, and public works, the silvering and weight slipped. However, the face value of the coins kept everyday trade moving even as the metal content declined. By the early fourth century, folles served as a common currency across the Roman Empire. A sailor settling his bill used the same denomination a farmer used inland, making hoards like this valuable for historians in tracing the circulation and reach of currency. Though small in size, coins provide rich historical insights. Their images, inscriptions, and mint marks reveal rulers, political messages, and minting locations. Studying collections highlights broader patterns, such as links between coin surges and military or political events, or trade routes across seas. Metal composition and corrosion layers preserve environmental traces, while striking marks shed light on ancient minting techniques and workshop practices, making coins vital tools for historical research.

The coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment.

Amateur diver unearths 50,000 ancient 4th-century Roman coins beneath sea sand in Italy

A small Italian town is grabbing headlines worldwide after its mayor issued an unusual order: &lsquo;Falling sick is banned&rsquo;. Mayor Antonio Torchia of Belcastro in the southern region of Calabria recently issued a &lsquo;diktat&rsquo;, asking residents &ldquo;to avoid contracting any illness that requires medical assistance, especially an emergency.&rdquo;
However, the mayor later clarified that the &lsquo;diktat&rsquo; was in fact issued &ldquo;with a bit of irony.&rdquo;
The mayor wanted to highlight the lack of access to basic healthcare in the town in a bid to criticise higher authorities.
&ldquo;This is not just a provocation, the ordinance is a cry for help, a way to shine a spotlight on an unacceptable situation,&rdquo; said Torchia in a statement to local media.
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The mayor highlighted that the town of 1,300 people had an elderly population of about 700, and it had only one health centre which would remain closed most often.
He stressed that doctors won&rsquo;t be available in the town on most weekends or holidays. Torchia added that the nearest emergency centre to the town was at least 45 km away in the city of Catanzaro.
It was not clear how the decree issued by the mayor would be enforced.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-far-right-leader-alice-weidel-joins-elon-musk-for-discussion-on-x-8606873">German far-right leader Alice Weidel joins Elon Musk for discussion on X</a>
&ldquo;Come and live a week in our small village and try to feel safe knowing that in the event of a health emergency the only hope is to get to Catanzaro in time,&rdquo; the mayor told local media.
&ldquo;Try it and then tell me if this situation seems acceptable to you.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

Trending | The mayor of the town later clarified that the ‘diktat’ was in fact issued “with a bit of irony.” It was not clear how the decree issued by the mayor would be enforced.

A small Italian town is grabbing headlines worldwide after its mayor issued an unusual order: ‘Falling sick is banned’. Mayor Antonio Torchia of Belcastro in the southern region of Calabria recently issued a ‘diktat’, asking residents “to avoid contracting any illness that requires medical assistance, especially an emergency.” However, the mayor later clarified that the ‘diktat’ was in fact issued “with a bit of irony.” The mayor wanted to highlight the lack of access to basic healthcare in the town in a bid to criticise higher authorities. “This is not just a provocation, the ordinance is a cry for help, a way to shine a spotlight on an unacceptable situation,” said Torchia in a statement to local media. Also read: 'Form of violence': Across globe, deepfake porn targets women politicians The mayor highlighted that the town of 1,300 people had an elderly population of about 700, and it had only one health centre which would remain closed most often. He stressed that doctors won’t be available in the town on most weekends or holidays. Torchia added that the nearest emergency centre to the town was at least 45 km away in the city of Catanzaro. It was not clear how the decree issued by the mayor would be enforced. Also read: German far-right leader Alice Weidel joins Elon Musk for discussion on X “Come and live a week in our small village and try to feel safe knowing that in the event of a health emergency the only hope is to get to Catanzaro in time,” the mayor told local media. “Try it and then tell me if this situation seems acceptable to you.” (With inputs from agencies)

Falling sick no longer ‘allowed’ in this Italian town. Here's why

Keeping things in a safe place often means forgetting about them entirely. We are all guilty of doing it and often feel frustrated when we realise that safekeeping didn't help.

Something similar happened to a woman in Italy who packed up her entire life savings inside a mattress and years later threw it away, and only remembered about the money after it was taken away.

The woman in her 80s had saved up a total of $53,089 (nearly Rs 45 lakh) and was afraid that thieves might steal her money, The Mirror reported.&nbsp;She didn't trust the banks either and didn't want to keep the money there either. So she tore open a mattress, put it all inside it and sewed it back up.

However, when the mattress became old she threw it out and at the time had forgotten about the money inside it. After she realised her mistake, she started panicking and was left distraught.

She called the police in Montebelluna, and told them about everything, asking them for help to find her mattress. The police wasted no time and got to work right away and were successfully able to locate it. It was returned to the woman who heaved a sigh of relief after finding all the money was still there.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-couple-lost-rs-50-lakh-fighting-over-two-fence-panels-with-their-neighbours-753882">Couple loses Rs 50 lakh savings fighting with their neighbours over fence panels</a>

An official said that the woman was "was rather distraught when she rang" &nbsp;and was "overjoyed and looked ten years younger when she got the news" that the mattress had been found with the money still inside it.

<h2>Woman finds cash inside sofa cushion</h2>

A similar case happened in the Unites States a few years back when a woman found approximately $36,256 inside a sofa she got online for free. The woman from California was looking for furniture online for her new home when she came across some free items. A family was giving away a sofa and other bedroom items after the death of a loved one.

She noticed something odd with the cushions and upon inspection found the cash concealed inside it. &nbsp;"I just moved in, and I don't have anything in my house. I was so excited, so we picked it up and brought it in." 
&nbsp;

Keeping things in a safe place often means forgetting about them entirely. We are all guilty of doing it and often feel frustrated when we realise that safekeeping didn't help.

Keeping things in a safe place often means forgetting about them entirely. We are all guilty of doing it and often feel frustrated when we realise that safekeeping didn't help. Something similar happened to a woman in Italy who packed up her entire life savings inside a mattress and years later threw it away, and only remembered about the money after it was taken away. The woman in her 80s had saved up a total of $53,089 (nearly Rs 45 lakh) and was afraid that thieves might steal her money, The Mirror reported. She didn't trust the banks either and didn't want to keep the money there either. So she tore open a mattress, put it all inside it and sewed it back up. However, when the mattress became old she threw it out and at the time had forgotten about the money inside it. After she realised her mistake, she started panicking and was left distraught. She called the police in Montebelluna, and told them about everything, asking them for help to find her mattress. The police wasted no time and got to work right away and were successfully able to locate it. It was returned to the woman who heaved a sigh of relief after finding all the money was still there. Also Read: Couple loses Rs 50 lakh savings fighting with their neighbours over fence panels An official said that the woman was "was rather distraught when she rang" and was "overjoyed and looked ten years younger when she got the news" that the mattress had been found with the money still inside it. Woman finds cash inside sofa cushion A similar case happened in the Unites States a few years back when a woman found approximately $36,256 inside a sofa she got online for free. The woman from California was looking for furniture online for her new home when she came across some free items. A family was giving away a sofa and other bedroom items after the death of a loved one. She noticed something odd with the cushions and upon inspection found the cash concealed inside it. "I just moved in, and I don't have anything in my house. I was so excited, so we picked it up and brought it in."

Woman forgets she stuffed mattress with Rs 45 lakh, throws it away

Six people went missing after a luxury yacht was struck by a tornado and sank near Sicily, resulting in one fatality among the 22 individuals on board. When did the tornado hit the yacht?

Six people went missing after a luxury yacht was struck by a tornado and sank near Sicily, resulting in one fatality among the 22 individuals on board. When did the tornado hit the yacht? According to a representative from Italy’s Coast Guard, the tornado hit the yacht around 5:00 AM (EDT) while it was anchored roughly half a mile from Porticello’s port on the Mediterranean island. Who are the missing individuals? Among those still unaccounted for are four British nationals and two Americans, the spokesperson confirmed. Tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch is among the missing individuals following the sinking of a superyacht carrying 22 people off the coast of Sicily during a severe storm, according to the Guardian. Lynch, 59, who was known as "Britain's Bill Gates," is reported to be one of the four British citizens unaccounted for. 15 rescued, 1 dead Fifteen people have been rescued so far, with one child being airlifted to a children's hospital in Palermo. In total, eight people have been hospitalised, as per the mayor’s office. The Coast Guard reported finding one body on the yacht’s hull. Also read: Police in England and Wales strip search a child every 19 hours, finds shocking report The weather forecast had indicated the possibility of strong winds, with storms expected throughout southern Italy on Sunday, the Coast Guard spokesperson noted. The 56-metre yacht, named the “Bayesian,” was flying under a British flag and carried mostly British passengers and crew, along with two Anglo-French individuals, one New Zealander, one Irish, and one Sri Lankan, as reported by the media. Italian fire brigade divers reached the yacht's hull, which was 49 metres (160 feet) underwater, according to a press statement. Helicopters have also been deployed to assist in the search. (With inputs from agencies)

Sicily yacht tragedy: Tornado sinks luxury vessel; one dead, UK’s ‘Bill Gates’ among 6 missing

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - PM Modi greets Meloni on Italy's Liberation Day - Putin plans to visit China in May - Egypt warns of catastrophic consequences - IDF pounds targets in South Lebanon

PM Modi greets Meloni on Italy's Liberation Day | Putin plans to visit China in May

In the streets of the Italian town of Bolzano exists a peculiar menace which has now forced the authorities to take drastic measures. The unwelcome smell of dog poo has prompted the authorities to mandate DNA tests for all canines, requiring owners of an estimated 45,000 dogs to get them registered in a database managed by authorities. In the so-called ‘poo crackdown,’ police will refer to the database to nab the offenders who shy away from cleaning their pet’s poo, with also imposing fines close to $1,000.

The law required the residents of the mountainous Trentino-Alto Adige region to undertake a DNA test for their pets by the end of December 2023. However, only 5,000 owners have complied. Now, the authorities have strictly asked for compliance in the matter by the end of March. Owners who fail to register will have to face hefty fines, according to Paolo Zambotto, director of Bolzano’s veterinary department.

<h2>Dog owners voice anger</h2>

The law has been met with concerns by dog owners, especially from those who sincerely clean up their pet&nbsp;poo but will have to pay a €65 fee for the test. Some doubt the efficiency of the initiative regarding its cost and management and whether it will take into account the menace coming from stray dogs and dogs owned by tourists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-passengers-discover-live-snake-in-overhead-cabin-on-bangkok-flight-680905">Also read:&nbsp;WATCH | Passengers discover live snake in overhead cabin on Bangkok flight</a>

“It is easier said than done,” Madeleine Rohrer, from the local Greens party, told the newspaper Il Giornale. “It will only be an additional expense for the municipality and for the police, who have many other things to do.”

<h2>Animal rights groups oppose the idea</h2>

Apart from dog owners, animal rights groups have also opposed the idea, calling it an ‘unjust law.’ Earlier, they had filed a petition to scrap the law before December 31. “The most interesting thing is that many people who don’t have dogs signed the petition,” Filippo Maturi, president of Assopets, an association for the protection of animal owners, was quoted as saying by a local news outlet.

Watch:&nbsp;Italy, France &amp; Spain refuse role in strikes in Yemen

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“It is an unjust law which does not solve the problem and which, above all, has enormous management costs,” Maturi added.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the streets of the Italian town of Bolzano exists a peculiar menace which has now forced the authorities to take drastic measures. The unwelcome smell of dog poo has prompted the authorities to mandate DNA tests for all canines, requiring owners of an estimated 45,000 dogs to get them registered in a database managed by authorities.

In the streets of the Italian town of Bolzano exists a peculiar menace which has now forced the authorities to take drastic measures. The unwelcome smell of dog poo has prompted the authorities to mandate DNA tests for all canines, requiring owners of an estimated 45,000 dogs to get them registered in a database managed by authorities. In the so-called ‘poo crackdown,’ police will refer to the database to nab the offenders who shy away from cleaning their pet’s poo, with also imposing fines close to $1,000. The law required the residents of the mountainous Trentino-Alto Adige region to undertake a DNA test for their pets by the end of December 2023. However, only 5,000 owners have complied. Now, the authorities have strictly asked for compliance in the matter by the end of March. Owners who fail to register will have to face hefty fines, according to Paolo Zambotto, director of Bolzano’s veterinary department. Dog owners voice anger The law has been met with concerns by dog owners, especially from those who sincerely clean up their pet poo but will have to pay a €65 fee for the test. Some doubt the efficiency of the initiative regarding its cost and management and whether it will take into account the menace coming from stray dogs and dogs owned by tourists. Also read: WATCH | Passengers discover live snake in overhead cabin on Bangkok flight “It is easier said than done,” Madeleine Rohrer, from the local Greens party, told the newspaper Il Giornale. “It will only be an additional expense for the municipality and for the police, who have many other things to do.” Animal rights groups oppose the idea Apart from dog owners, animal rights groups have also opposed the idea, calling it an ‘unjust law.’ Earlier, they had filed a petition to scrap the law before December 31. “The most interesting thing is that many people who don’t have dogs signed the petition,” Filippo Maturi, president of Assopets, an association for the protection of animal owners, was quoted as saying by a local news outlet. Watch: Italy, France & Spain refuse role in strikes in Yemen × “It is an unjust law which does not solve the problem and which, above all, has enormous management costs,” Maturi added. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy’s poo crackdown: Here's why owners are rejecting mandate to register their dogs' DNA profile

A remarkable Italian sniffer dog named Elio displayed exceptional detection skills, alerting its handlers to the presence of a staggering over $1 million in cash&nbsp;concealed within the luggage of a passenger.

The incident occurred during a routine police patrol and checking of&nbsp;buses near the city of Florence, Italy. This extraordinary canine's keen sense of smell led to the discovery of a significant amount of cash, prompting further investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the money's origin, reported the BBC.&nbsp;

<h2>The canine detective's discovery</h2>

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Watch moment police dog sniffs out €1m hidden cash. An Italian police dog named ‘Elio’ has thwarted a cash smuggling attempt by sniffing out over €1,075,600 (£925,000) stashed in two suitcases while on patrol at a bus station near Florence. <a href="https://t.co/yEKTZ7bWVi">pic.twitter.com/yEKTZ7bWVi</a>
— CryptoCloud (@CryptoCloud_k) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoCloud_k/status/1686701737405542400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Elio, a black Labrador renowned for its olfactory prowess, was engaged in a routine police operation and checking buses in Scandicci, a small town in northern Italy.

The operation aimed to ensure public safety and enforce regulations. During this routine check, Elio exhibited an unusual level of excitement, enthusiastically wagging its tail on the presence of two suitcases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-official-fired-for-releasing-k-9-dog-on-unarmed-black-man-informs-department-619788">US: Police official fired for releasing K-9 dog on unarmed Black man, informs department</a>

These bags belonged to a passenger of Chinese descent, who was travelling from Catania in Sicily to Aosta, a city located near the northern border with France.

Prompted by Elio's fervent response, the police officers decided to delve further into the matter. Upon inspecting the passenger's luggage, they uncovered an astonishing sight – massive stacks of cash amounting to over a million euros. The unexpected discovery left authorities baffled, as the Chinese citizen was unable to provide any satisfactory explanation for the origin of the substantial sum.

<h2>Legal conundrum and seizure of funds</h2>

With no clear account of the money's source, the Chinese national found herself in a perplexing legal situation. Despite being a legal resident in Italy, she was temporarily detained by the authorities. Furthermore, the sizeable sum of money was seized by the police due to the lack of a plausible explanation for its presence. This event serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding financial regulations and the obligations of individuals to account for significant amounts of cash in their possession.

Also watch |&nbsp;US: Black man mauled by police canine in Ohio

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Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Florence prosecution office initiated a thorough investigation into the incident.

The goal is to unravel the enigma of the mysterious funds and ascertain whether they are linked to any illicit activities. The outcome of this investigation could potentially shed light on broader issues related to money laundering, cross-border financial movements, and potential criminal networks.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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A remarkable Italian sniffer dog named Elio displayed exceptional detection skills, alerting its handlers to the presence of a staggering over $1 million in cash concealed within the luggage of a passenger.

A remarkable Italian sniffer dog named Elio displayed exceptional detection skills, alerting its handlers to the presence of a staggering over $1 million in cash concealed within the luggage of a passenger. The incident occurred during a routine police patrol and checking of buses near the city of Florence, Italy. This extraordinary canine's keen sense of smell led to the discovery of a significant amount of cash, prompting further investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the money's origin, reported the BBC. The canine detective's discovery Watch moment police dog sniffs out €1m hidden cash. An Italian police dog named ‘Elio’ has thwarted a cash smuggling attempt by sniffing out over €1,075,600 (£925,000) stashed in two suitcases while on patrol at a bus station near Florence. pic.twitter.com/yEKTZ7bWVi — CryptoCloud (@CryptoCloud_k) August 2, 2023 × Elio, a black Labrador renowned for its olfactory prowess, was engaged in a routine police operation and checking buses in Scandicci, a small town in northern Italy. The operation aimed to ensure public safety and enforce regulations. During this routine check, Elio exhibited an unusual level of excitement, enthusiastically wagging its tail on the presence of two suitcases. Also read | US: Police official fired for releasing K-9 dog on unarmed Black man, informs department These bags belonged to a passenger of Chinese descent, who was travelling from Catania in Sicily to Aosta, a city located near the northern border with France. Prompted by Elio's fervent response, the police officers decided to delve further into the matter. Upon inspecting the passenger's luggage, they uncovered an astonishing sight – massive stacks of cash amounting to over a million euros. The unexpected discovery left authorities baffled, as the Chinese citizen was unable to provide any satisfactory explanation for the origin of the substantial sum. Legal conundrum and seizure of funds With no clear account of the money's source, the Chinese national found herself in a perplexing legal situation. Despite being a legal resident in Italy, she was temporarily detained by the authorities. Furthermore, the sizeable sum of money was seized by the police due to the lack of a plausible explanation for its presence. This event serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding financial regulations and the obligations of individuals to account for significant amounts of cash in their possession. Also watch | US: Black man mauled by police canine in Ohio Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Florence prosecution office initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. The goal is to unravel the enigma of the mysterious funds and ascertain whether they are linked to any illicit activities. The outcome of this investigation could potentially shed light on broader issues related to money laundering, cross-border financial movements, and potential criminal networks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Viral moment: Italian police dog sniffs out $1 million cash during routine bus check. Watch

In a first for any country Italy allocated 30 million Euros or 33 million dollars to help those whose jobs are at risk from artificial intelligence the fund is also earmarked to train the unemployed to acquire new skills the most obvious questions are why and the answers are simple first the rising concerns about Job losses to Automation and air and the second more Italians on average lack fundamental digital abilities compared to the wider European union workers

Italy allocates funds for job losses to AI, fund to protect & upskill workers

The ancient Roman Colosseum is once again going to have a floor thanks to a new, hi-tech project announced by the culture ministry on Sunday.

Italy plans new floor for 2,000-year-old Colosseum

The famous canals of Venice in Italy nearly dried up on Friday (February 26) as exceptionally low tide took the water out of the famed waterways. Traditional gondolas and boats could be seen almost beached. The water levels reached -48 cm. This created an unusual landscape.

Venice, the city famous for art, architecture and canals has always had fragile balance between low and high tides that create large variations in sea levels. Venice is built on a collection of small islands within a saltwater lagoon off the north-eastern coast of Italy.

Venice's floods, "acqua alta" in Italian, are caused by a combination of factors, exacerbated by climate change -- from rising sea levels and unusually high tides to land subsidence that has caused the ground level of the city to sink.

In December last year, such an 'acqua alta' event had caused flooding in Venice. Images of famous <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/venice-submerged-way-too-much-this-time-348484#st-marks-square-under-water-348477">St Mark's square under water</a> did rounds at that time.

(With Reuters inputs)

The famous canals of Venice in Italy nearly dried up on Friday (February 26) as exceptionally low tide took the water out of the famed waterways. Traditional gondolas and boats could be seen almost beached.

The famous canals of Venice in Italy nearly dried up on Friday (February 26) as exceptionally low tide took the water out of the famed waterways. Traditional gondolas and boats could be seen almost beached. The water levels reached -48 cm. This created an unusual landscape. Venice, the city famous for art, architecture and canals has always had fragile balance between low and high tides that create large variations in sea levels. Venice is built on a collection of small islands within a saltwater lagoon off the north-eastern coast of Italy. Venice's floods, "acqua alta" in Italian, are caused by a combination of factors, exacerbated by climate change -- from rising sea levels and unusually high tides to land subsidence that has caused the ground level of the city to sink. In December last year, such an 'acqua alta' event had caused flooding in Venice. Images of famous St Mark's square under water did rounds at that time. (With Reuters inputs)

Venice: Exceptionally low tide almost dries up the canals

The former European Central Bank chief, Mario Draghi, on Friday formally accepted Italy's prime ministerial post. The development comes after weeks of political turmoil following the resignation of former prime minister Giuseppe Conte's who lost the government majority in the senate due to inability to handle the covid-19 crisis.

Mario Draghi formally accepted Italy's Prime Ministerial post

Emanuele Filiberto, the descendent of Italy'w wartime king Victor Emmanuel III apologised to country's Jewish community for monarchy's role in Holocaust.&nbsp;

"I condemn the 1938 racial laws, all of whose weight I still feel on my shoulders to this day, and with me the whole royal house," 48-year-old Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy said of his great-grandfather.

Victor Emmanuel III had put his signature to an "unacceptable document", he added in a letter posted to Facebook, "officially apologising" in the name of his family.

During the second world war, about 8000 Italian Jews were deported from the country and murdered in Nazi concentration camps.

Alongside the letter, Filiberto also gave a TV interview in which he mentioned royal family's positive role in Italian unification and granting equal rights to Jews from 1848.

Several Italian royals were themselves deported to Nazi concentration camps, he recalled.

After the war, Victor Emmanuel III abdicated in May 1946 and died the following year in Egypt.

His son Humbert II reigned for only a month before leaving for Switzerland when Italians opted for a republican constitution in a referendum.

Parliament only ended a constitutional ban on the House of Savoy's male heirs returning to Italy in 2002, after Emanuele Filiberto and his father Vittorio Emanuele swore loyalty to the republic.

The two men gave up on compensation claims demanding 260 million euros ($316 million) for their family's exile and the return of the royal family's confiscated property after a public outcry.

Emanuele Filiberto is married to French actress Clotilde Courau.

(With AFP inputs)

Emanuele Filiberto, the descendent of Italy'w wartime king Victor Emmanuel III apologised to country's Jewish community for monarchy's role in Holocaust. "I condemn the 1938 racial laws, all of whose weight I still feel on my shoulders to this day, and with me the whole royal house," 48-year-old Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy said of his great-grandfather.

Emanuele Filiberto, the descendent of Italy'w wartime king Victor Emmanuel III apologised to country's Jewish community for monarchy's role in Holocaust. "I condemn the 1938 racial laws, all of whose weight I still feel on my shoulders to this day, and with me the whole royal house," 48-year-old Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy said of his great-grandfather. Victor Emmanuel III had put his signature to an "unacceptable document", he added in a letter posted to Facebook, "officially apologising" in the name of his family. During the second world war, about 8000 Italian Jews were deported from the country and murdered in Nazi concentration camps. Alongside the letter, Filiberto also gave a TV interview in which he mentioned royal family's positive role in Italian unification and granting equal rights to Jews from 1848. Several Italian royals were themselves deported to Nazi concentration camps, he recalled. After the war, Victor Emmanuel III abdicated in May 1946 and died the following year in Egypt. His son Humbert II reigned for only a month before leaving for Switzerland when Italians opted for a republican constitution in a referendum. Parliament only ended a constitutional ban on the House of Savoy's male heirs returning to Italy in 2002, after Emanuele Filiberto and his father Vittorio Emanuele swore loyalty to the republic. The two men gave up on compensation claims demanding 260 million euros ($316 million) for their family's exile and the return of the royal family's confiscated property after a public outcry. Emanuele Filiberto is married to French actress Clotilde Courau. (With AFP inputs)

Italian king's heir apologises for monarchy's role in Holocaust during second world war

An Italian man ventured outside to chill subsequent to quarreling with his better half - and wound up strolling 450km (280 miles).&nbsp;

Italians have nicknamed him "Forrest Gump" via web-based media, after the moderate witted saint of a 1994 film, played by Tom Hanks, who runs a huge number of miles over the United States.&nbsp;

Police halted the Italian's epic stroll at 2 am in Fano on the Adriatic coast, seven days after he left Como in the north.&nbsp;

The man, 48, got a €400 (£362; $485) police fine for penetrating the time limitation.&nbsp;

The story was first revealed by the Bologna-based paper Il Resto del Carlino yet immediately became famous online in Italian media.&nbsp;

A few remarks via web-based media introduced the man as courageous and scrutinized the fine. One said he ought to have been compensated - not fined - and given another pair of shoes. Another applauded him for strolling off to cool his outrage, as opposed to turning to savagery.&nbsp;

The man told police "I came here by walking, I didn't utilize any vehicle". He said, "en route, I met individuals who offered me food and drink". "I'm OK, slightly drained," he stated, having arrived at the midpoint of 60km day by day.&nbsp;

Police discovered him meandering capriciously and cold around evening time on a beachfront thruway.&nbsp;

Subsequent to checking his ID in their information base they found that his better half had announced him missing, so they reached her and she ventured out to Fano to gather him.&nbsp;

The Italian reports didn't state how she responded after discovering that he had gotten a €400 fine.

An Italian man ventured outside to chill subsequent to quarreling with his better half - and wound up strolling 450km (280 miles). Italians have nicknamed him "Forrest Gump" via web-based media, after the moderate witted saint of a 1994 film, played by Tom Hanks, who runs a huge number of miles over the United States.

An Italian man ventured outside to chill subsequent to quarreling with his better half - and wound up strolling 450km (280 miles). Italians have nicknamed him "Forrest Gump" via web-based media, after the moderate witted saint of a 1994 film, played by Tom Hanks, who runs a huge number of miles over the United States. Police halted the Italian's epic stroll at 2 am in Fano on the Adriatic coast, seven days after he left Como in the north. The man, 48, got a €400 (£362; $485) police fine for penetrating the time limitation. The story was first revealed by the Bologna-based paper Il Resto del Carlino yet immediately became famous online in Italian media. A few remarks via web-based media introduced the man as courageous and scrutinized the fine. One said he ought to have been compensated - not fined - and given another pair of shoes. Another applauded him for strolling off to cool his outrage, as opposed to turning to savagery. The man told police "I came here by walking, I didn't utilize any vehicle". He said, "en route, I met individuals who offered me food and drink". "I'm OK, slightly drained," he stated, having arrived at the midpoint of 60km day by day. Police discovered him meandering capriciously and cold around evening time on a beachfront thruway. Subsequent to checking his ID in their information base they found that his better half had announced him missing, so they reached her and she ventured out to Fano to gather him. The Italian reports didn't state how she responded after discovering that he had gotten a €400 fine.

Italian man walks 450km after lockdown row with wife

Italy has been hit by heavy rain and snowfall that caused landslides, flooding and a high risk of avalanches. In the area of Modena, in Emilia-Romagna, 60 families have been evacuated due to the overflowing of the Panaro river due to heavy rain.

Heavy rain and Snowfall wreak havoc in Italy

Floods in the Nuoro province of Italy's Sardinia island have left at least three people killed and one gone missing, local media reported on Saturday.

At least 3 killed as floods hit Italy Sardina island

The global demand for ‘ultra-cold’ freezers has increased exponentially as countries prepare for the arrival of a Covid vaccine.

Italy producing freezers for COVID vaccines

The lockdown is aimed at tamping down a surge in Covid-19 infections and preventing hospitals from being overwhelmed with cases.

COVID-19: Four Italian regions, including Milan, under lockdown

Scuffles broke out in Rome on Tuesday evening (October 27) between police and supporters of an extreme right wing group, who were protesting against anti-COVID-19 safety measures.

Protests in Italy against new coronavirus curbs

Hundreds of locals took to streets in Italy to demonstrate fo a bill that would make anti-LGBT violence a hate crime leading to harsher penalties in comparison to the existing punishments under the current law.

Will Italy successfully pass its LGBTQ+ hate crime law?

We all crave a getaway. It has become all the more important in times of coronavirus pandemic. Everyone is craving an escape from the monotonous, gloomy days. Not all of us are wealthy enough to take the vacation of our dreams but if a picturesque Italian town is willing to pay you to move there, it sounds like a good deal right?

Well here's what's on offer.

Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a walled medieval village in Italy is offering people money to move there. The town council will pay you a monthly fee for three years, or make a lump sum payment.

The village is two hours away from Rome. The famed Adriatic coast is on a 90-minute drive. You will be given a place to stay at a nominal rent.

The village is situated in Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga national park so picturesque views of mountains and green valleys are sure to greet you through windows whenever you peer out.

In return for all this, the city council only expects that you start a business there.

The council is willing to pay monthly fees or upto USD 9500 per year for three years. Alternately, the council will make a lump-sum payment of USD 24,000

Town council will accept your application only if you are 18 to 40 years old. The only catch is that one needs to be a resident of Italy or have legal ability to become one.

The village of Santo Stefano has a population of 115. Authorities are taking action to ensure that the population doesn't fall any lower. About half of the residents are pensioners.

Despite all the conditions, there have been more than thousand applications to move to Santo Stefano.

We all crave a getaway. It has become all the more important in times of coronavirus pandemic. Everyone is craving an escape from the monotonous, gloomy days. Not all of us are wealthy enough to take the vacation of our dreams but if a picturesque Italian town is willing to pay you to move there, it sounds like a good deal right?

We all crave a getaway. It has become all the more important in times of coronavirus pandemic. Everyone is craving an escape from the monotonous, gloomy days. Not all of us are wealthy enough to take the vacation of our dreams but if a picturesque Italian town is willing to pay you to move there, it sounds like a good deal right? Well here's what's on offer. Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a walled medieval village in Italy is offering people money to move there. The town council will pay you a monthly fee for three years, or make a lump sum payment. The village is two hours away from Rome. The famed Adriatic coast is on a 90-minute drive. You will be given a place to stay at a nominal rent. The village is situated in Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga national park so picturesque views of mountains and green valleys are sure to greet you through windows whenever you peer out. In return for all this, the city council only expects that you start a business there. The council is willing to pay monthly fees or upto USD 9500 per year for three years. Alternately, the council will make a lump-sum payment of USD 24,000 Town council will accept your application only if you are 18 to 40 years old. The only catch is that one needs to be a resident of Italy or have legal ability to become one. The village of Santo Stefano has a population of 115. Authorities are taking action to ensure that the population doesn't fall any lower. About half of the residents are pensioners. Despite all the conditions, there have been more than thousand applications to move to Santo Stefano.

This Italian village is paying you to stay there

As fear of a second wave grips Europe, Italy appears to be coping much better than other countries such as France, Spain and the U.K.

Coronavirus: How is Italy coping better than other nations

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