Edward Marchesi In recent months, investigations into digital platforms have revealed a worrying increase in content promoting violence, especially among young people. In this context, Italian authorities have intensified controls to prevent potentially dangerous situations in schools and public places.
The most recent case comes from Catania, where a 14-year-old boy ended up at the centre of a criminal investigation for having published messages in the Cyrillic alphabet alluding to massacres and acts of terrorism.
The complaint was filed with the Catania Juvenile Prosecutor's Office, which initiated a search of his home in Etna.
Profile identification and seized assets
The initial investigative efforts began with a report from the Rome Postal Police and Cybersecurity Service . Thanks to network data analysis, the DIGOS unit of the Catania Police Headquarters was able to reconstruct the user's identity, linking him to the suspicious account.
During the house search, the officers found in the minor's room a military helmet , a body-worn video camera, a poorly made bulletproof vest, and several items of clothing printed with discriminatory phrases and Nazi symbols.
Cyrillic messages and discriminatory symbols
The digital material found on the boy's smartphone included texts written entirely in the Cyrillic alphabet, with explicit references to possible attacks on schools.
Some posts also contained images of swastikas and aggressive slogans, creating a worrying picture of violent propaganda. Authorities classified this content as apologetic and potentially inciting crimes.
Research on military weapons and gadgets
In addition to the messages, analysis of browsing logs revealed numerous online searches related to gun operation, tutorials for building custom weapons, and ballistics equipment catalogs. Although no actual firearm was found, the presence of a military helmet and bulletproof vest immediately raised suspicions of preparation for a potential act of violence.
Legal procedure and role of authorities
Once the objects and data were seized, the Cyber Security Operations Center entrusted the material to COSC (Cyber Security Operations Center) personnel for a thorough technical-forensic examination. The results confirmed the presence of additional elements of investigative interest, which will be promptly forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office for further investigation.
Seizure and computer analysis
The Postal Police team acquired a forensic copy of the smartphone, ensuring the chain of custody was preserved. The analysis identified private chats, deleted messages, and browsing histories, all elements considered by the prosecutor in assessing the possible configuration of the crime of incitement to violence and advocacy of terrorism.
Next steps for the Prosecutor's Office
With all the evidence in hand, the Catania Juvenile Prosecutor's Office is evaluating the possibility of opening a criminal case against the 14-year-old . Italian law provides specific educational and restrictive measures for minors involved in crimes of this serious nature, which may include guardianship measures, mandatory psychological treatment, and, in extreme cases, reporting to the Juvenile Court.