Who is behind Fleximan, the Italian anti-hero battling speed radars?
Equipment has been vandalized across Italy by one or several individuals whose identity remains a mystery. One person has been arrested and faces a €2,000 fine
In the world of automobiles, Italy is known for its elegant car design, but also for its rogue edge. First, it was their technique for hiding vehicle license plates from speed cameras. Now, a certain Fleximan is attracting all the media attention.
As reported by several Italian and international media outlets, it is as yet unknown whether Fleximan is one person or a group of several individuals, but it is clear what his goal is: to destroy speed radars. The Italian autovelox are the enemy of Fleximan, who for several months has been attacking radars and signing his or her name to the handiwork.
At the moment, at least 15 radars have been destroyed in the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy and Veneto under the name of Fleximan. The different locations suggest that these attacks are in fact perpetrated by several people.
Loved by some, wanted by others
Unsurprisingly, social media has acclaimed this figure. Fleximan’s claim is that local authorities, by placing radars in unsuspected places, essentially seek to make money at the expense of drivers rather than to protect road safety.
Other citizens who have suffered the effects of speeding strongly criticize the autovelox avenger. Obviously, Italian law enforcement agencies are actively searching for Fleximan. Colonel Michele Cucuglielli, provincial commander of the Carabinieri of Padua, has already made a statement to Corriere della Sera.
“We are working on all fronts, without neglecting the smallest detail and we are collaborating not only with colleagues from other provinces but also with the police stations and local police of the territories where the damage to the radars was committed,” the colonel explained to the Italian newspaper.
The latest attack by Fleximan took place on January 24, on the provincial road of Villa del Conte (Padua). A sticker reading “Fleximan sta arrivando” (“Fleximan is coming”) appeared next to the smashed radar.
One Fleximan arrested
On the same day, authorities arrested a resident of a Piedmont town as a suspect in the attacks. He is accused of destroying two radars in the area of the SS337 highway in the province of Verbano (Piedmont), where he resides. There are several videos that have been used as evidence.
The accused is a man in his fifties with a job and a family who, for now, has not provided any explanation as to why he allegedly attacked the radars. However, the police doubt that he is the only Fleximan.
For the time being, this resident will face a charge of serious vandalism and a fine of at least €2,000 ($2,160).
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