The individuals arrested had already allegedly committed multiple incidents of robbery, extortion, injury and threats in July.

Most of the crimes committed over the weekend were facilitated against other non-EU nationals that had just arrived in Italy.

Suspects were trying to 'control activities' around the central station

According to a reconstruction by investigators coordinated by the local prosecutor's office, the five arrested -- aged 18, 21, 27, 33 and 35 -- were trying to control legal and illegal activities around Trieste's central station through pressure and threats.

Many migrants regularly congregate around the station.

This control was often obtained through crime -- including the use of weapons -- to profit economically and gain a monopoly of power in the area

The victims were often from the same countries as the perpetrators.

One of the members of the group has also been charged with resisting a public official and interrupting a public service after physically assaulting healthcare workers inside a local emergency room.

Extortion

The group also allegedly extorted money -- some 2,000 euros ($2,191) -- by threatening the employees of a food and beverage shop at the central station.

According to those under investigation, the employees paid the money to ensure a sort of protection enabling the commercial activity at the shop to function regularly.

The group at one point began to create disorder in and near the premises, threatening and beating both employees and customers.

Those arrested were placed in jail after being tracked down in part by a Teramo flying squad.