Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Italian police foil plot to steal body of Formula One pioneer Enzo Ferrari

Investigators say 34 people have been arrested as part of a massive operation

Samuel Osborne
Tuesday 28 March 2017 09:31 EDT
Comments
Enzo Ferrari founded the company that produces some of the world's fastest and most expensive cars and died in 1988 at the age of 90
Enzo Ferrari founded the company that produces some of the world's fastest and most expensive cars and died in 1988 at the age of 90 (Evening Standard/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Italian police have confirmed they foiled a plot to steal the body of legendary Formula One racing pioneer Enzo Ferrari and demand a ransom.

Ferrari, founder of the company that produces some of the world's fastest and most expensive cars, died in 1988 at the age of 90 after making the company's prancing horse logo an internationally recognised brand.

Investigators in Nuoro, on the island of Sardinia, said 34 people had been arrested as part of a massive operation involving helicopters and parachute regiment officers.

Geneva Motor Show 2017: Ferrari launches 812 Superfast

They suspected a gang had planned to demand a ransom from the Ferrari family or company after spiriting away the body.

Police said the plot was discovered during an investigation into arms and drug trafficking.

Ferrari is buried in an above-ground family tomb in the San Cataldo cemetery in Modena, near the Ferrari plant at Maranello in central Italy.

The gang members had allegedly inspected the site several times.

Hugh Jackman was reportedly in talks to play Mr Ferrari in a Michael Mann-directed film.

Christian Bale was originally set to play the entrepreneur but reportedly quit over concerns about how much weight he would have to gain for the role.

Robert De Niro has also been reported to have links with a different biopic about Mr Ferrari, but it is unclear how far the project has progressed.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in