Even though I eventually edited the article to clarify that there was no organized crime involved, many comments keep insisting that, since it happened in Italy, there must be organized crime or the mafia behind it.

I understand that the oversimplification "it happens in Italy, so it has to be the mafia" sounds a bit insulting, but maybe the mystery-craving in us recognize a pattern so much read and seen in movies. Your brilliant phrase "And of course, I’ve left out the worst parts of the story" also add a lot of neo-noir vibes to the story 😀