A professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter who once described himself as Manchester's answer to Rocky Balboa has been jailed for dealing drugs and selling guns. Pietro Menga, who also called himself The Italian Stallion, was caught when the National Crime Agency (NCA) infiltrated a once-encrypted messaging service. The NCA said Menga, 37, boasted in Encrochat conversations that he had Skorpion automatic machine guns that were "always good for a rainy day". Menga, of Salford, was sentenced to 15 years and five months when he appeared at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday. Menga, of Mount Street, Swinton, admitted conspiracy to sell or transfer banned weapons and cocaine dealing. Specialist detectives trawled through thousands of anonymous Encrochat messages which detailed drug deals, firearms sales, and assassination attempts, the NCA said. After identifying Menga through messages in which he openly spoke about his girlfriend, knee injuries from fighting, and his home gym, detectives knew Menga was the man behind the handle "wirelessshark". A drugs expert estimated Menga was involved in drugs with a street value of between £490,000 and £620,000. He was arrested when his home was raided on 15 January 2024. The NCA said: "Menga, like many criminals before him, thought he was hiding behind a secure communications system. "Instead, he created his own evidence trail that has led them straight to jail." In December 2017Menga told BBC Threeof his ambitions to rise up the UFC (Ultimate Fight Club) rankings as a flyweight. He had just received notice of his debut UFC fight. "For me this is a Manchester Rocky story," he said. "A lad from Manchester takes a fight on 12 days' notice." The Rocky movie franchise features a rags-to-riches story of fictional boxer Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester onBBC Soundsand follow BBC Manchester onFacebook,X, andInstagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight onBBC iPlayer
Self-styled 'Rocky' jailed over guns and drugs
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Mixed Martial Arts Fighter Pietro Menga Sentenced for Drug and Gun Trafficking"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Pietro Menga, a 37-year-old professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter from Salford, was sentenced to 15 years and five months in prison for his involvement in drug dealing and the sale of illegal firearms. Menga, who had previously likened himself to Rocky Balboa and referred to himself as 'The Italian Stallion,' was apprehended following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The agency had infiltrated Encrochat, an encrypted messaging service used by criminals, and discovered Menga's conversations where he boasted about possessing automatic machine guns and engaged in discussions about drug transactions. His messages revealed a detailed network of illicit activities, including drug deals with an estimated street value between £490,000 and £620,000 and the sale of banned weapons. Menga's downfall came during a raid on his home on January 15, 2024, which was part of a broader operation targeting organized crime in the UK.
The NCA highlighted that Menga believed he was secure in his communications but inadvertently left a digital trail leading directly to his criminal activities. His arrest marked a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to combat gun and drug trafficking. Menga had aspirations of rising through the ranks of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and in a December 2017 interview, he expressed his determination to achieve success in the sport, drawing parallels to the inspirational story of Rocky Balboa. However, his ambitions were overshadowed by his criminal actions, which ultimately led to a lengthy prison sentence, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of engaging in illegal activities, even for those who may have once been viewed as aspiring sports figures.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the downfall of Pietro Menga, a former professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter, who has been sentenced for involvement in drug dealing and illegal firearms sales. This narrative not only emphasizes Menga's criminal activities but also juxtaposes his earlier aspirations within the sport of MMA.
Intent Behind the Publication
The primary goal of this news story seems to be to inform the public about the consequences of illegal activities in the context of a well-known figure. By focusing on Menga's past as a fighter and his current legal troubles, the article aims to convey a cautionary tale about the risks of engaging in crime, particularly within the sports community.
Public Perception
This coverage is likely intended to foster a perception of disillusionment regarding the sports world, particularly MMA. Menga’s case may lead the public to question the integrity of athletes and the environments they inhabit, particularly if they believe that some may turn to illegal activities as a means of financial gain.
Potential Concealments
While the article mainly addresses Menga's actions, it could be speculated that there are broader issues regarding crime and safety in sports or even within the community in Manchester that the article does not explore. By focusing on a singular narrative, it may divert attention from systemic issues that contribute to such criminal behavior.
Manipulative Elements
The article does contain elements that could be seen as manipulative. By framing Menga's story in a way that echoes the "Rocky" narrative, it creates a stark contrast between his past ambitions and present reality. This framing could elicit sympathy or surprise from the audience, thus affecting their emotional response to the story.
Credibility of the News
The article appears credible, as it cites official sources, including the National Crime Agency, and provides specific details about Menga's activities and the subsequent investigation. However, the sensational nature of the narrative may lead some to question the objectivity of the reporting.
Social Implications
The implications of this story could extend beyond public perception, potentially influencing discussions about crime and policing in the Manchester area. There may be increased scrutiny on the activities of athletes and the environments they operate within, prompting calls for more support and oversight in the sports community.
Community Impact
This news likely resonates more with communities concerned about crime and the influence of sports figures. It may serve as a warning to aspiring athletes about the potential pitfalls of fame and financial struggles.
Economic and Market Influence
In terms of economic impact, the story may have limited direct influence on stock markets or financial sectors. However, it could affect local businesses related to sports and fitness, as public trust in athletes may wane.
Global Context
While this news may not have significant implications on global power dynamics, it does highlight ongoing issues of crime and celebrity culture, which resonate in various parts of the world.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
The article’s construction might have involved AI in drafting or editing processes, especially in organizing information or ensuring clarity. However, there are no clear indicators within the content that suggest overt AI manipulation or bias in its narrative.
In summary, the article serves to inform the public about a serious crime involving a former athlete, while simultaneously reflecting on broader societal issues related to crime, integrity, and public perception of sports figures.