A Slovakian man, who had been evading 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, unnamed individual, was intercepted by police before reaching the arena, as there had been an outstanding arrest warrant issued against him in 2010 for alleged shop thefts.
Authorities located the fugitive when he checked into a guesthouse on the outskirts of Milan, voluntarily returning to the country despite being wanted by the law. He was promptly taken into custody and escorted to the central San Vittore Prison. Meanwhile, Slovakia’s men’s ice hockey team achieved a surprising victory over Finland, further complicating the situation for the apprehended individual.
The Winter Games ice hockey events are being held at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, with the man intending to attend the former on Wednesday evening. Slovakia, who won bronze in Beijing four years ago, made a strong comeback to the Olympics after their last appearance in Sochi 2014.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games have witnessed several noteworthy moments, including Lindsey Vonn’s unfortunate crash resulting in a leg injury and Jake Paul’s fiancée Jutta Leerdam claiming a gold medal in speed skating. Team GB, despite some close calls, is still awaiting its first medal, with high hopes pinned on skeleton world champion Matt Weston for a potential gold win.
Fans can catch over 850 hours of live action on discovery+ via Prime Video during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with the £3.99 discovery+ Entertainment subscription offering access to TNT Sports 2 for round-the-clock Olympic coverage.