Official Opening of the National Association of Carabinieri (ANC) – Singapore Section
Published on 21st February, 2026
Singapore, February 2026 — A historic milestone for the Italian community and institutional presence in Southeast Asia was marked with the official inauguration of the Singapore Section of the Associazione Nazionale Carabinieri (ANC) at the Embassy of Italy in Singapore.
The ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Dante Brandi, Ambassador of Italy to Singapore, who formally inaugurated the Association in the presence of its President, Claudio Bizzoni; His Excellency Archbishop Marek Zalewski, Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore, representative of the Holy See; members of the Carabinieri assigned to the security of the Embassy; members of the Italian community; and numerous invited guests.
Protective Intelligence Network (PIN) was honoured to be invited to this important institutional event. On several occasions in the past, PIN's members, in their previous roles as officers of the Italian National Police, (Polizia di Stato), had the privilege of working alongside the Carabinieri, including their Special Operations Group (ROS – Raggruppamento Operativo Speciale) and their Operational Units (Nuclei Operativi), particularly in the context of organised crime and national security investigations.
This longstanding professional relationship continues today. Notably, a former officer of the prestigious Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (Comando Tutela Patrimonio Culturale), internationally recognised for its role in combating art trafficking and protecting cultural assets, is currently a member of Protective Intelligence Network’s Advisory Board— a further testament to the enduring collaboration and mutual respect between our organisation and this highly respected law enforcement agency.
This inauguration represents a particularly significant moment, as the Singapore Section is the first ANC section ever established in Asia and the first to be inaugurated within an Italian Embassy, underscoring Singapore’s strategic importance for Italy in the region.
Importantly, the Singapore Section has been solemnly dedicated to the memory of Carabiniere Scelto Vittorio Iacovacci, who was killed on 22 February 2021 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside Italian Ambassador Luca Attanasio and their driver, Mustapha Milambo, during a terrorist attack targeting a United Nations convoy near Goma.
Carabiniere Iacovacci, only 30 years old, was serving as part of the Ambassador’s close protection detail.
His sacrifice stands as a powerful symbol of duty, courage, and service to the Republic, reflecting the risks faced daily by those entrusted with protecting national institutions and diplomatic representatives abroad.
The establishment of the ANC Singapore Section strengthens the bonds between former and serving Carabinieri overseas, promotes the values of legality, integrity, and public service, and contributes to preserving the traditions and esprit de corps of one of Italy’s most respected institutions.
Protective Intelligence Network is honoured to have been present at this important institutional occasion and to maintain close professional ties with members of the Carabinieri community.
- For more information on the National Association of Carabinieri, please visit: https://assocarabinieri.it/it/CC
