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Fugitive caught after returning to Italy to watch Winter Olympics

Banner is displayed by Slovak fans prior during the Men's Preliminary Group B match between Slovakia and Finland on day five of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 11, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Phot
The 44-year-old was headed to the Santa Giulia arena in Milan for Slovakia's ice hockey game

Italian police have caught a Slovakian fugitive after 16 years on the run because he returned to Italy to support his country at the Winter Olympics, ANSA news agency has said.

The 44-year-old was headed to the Santa Giulia arena in Milan for Slovakia's ice hockey game yesterday, but ended up in the San Vittore prison instead, it said.

Police were alerted to his presence after he checked in at a guesthouse.

The man must now serve just over 11 months in prison for a series of thefts in 2010, ANSA said.