Highway shutdown and identification

On 18 September 2026, Moldovan trap musician Nicolae Novacenko, known professionally as Bratan or 351 Bratan, halted traffic on the Milano-Meda expressway near the Affori district north of Milan. Riding a motorcycle at the head of a convoy of between 10 and 30 scooter and motorcycle riders, Novacenko stopped across the lanes during peak traffic hours to record an unauthorized music video alongside fellow performer Omar Ramo. The stunt created long vehicle queues in both directions entering and leaving the Lombardy regional capital. Local police units dispatched to the area arrived at approximately 19:40, though the participants had dispersed before patrol cars reached the scene. Investigators subsequently identified the organizers after Novacenko published aerial drone footage of the highway blockade directly to his Instagram profile.

Ministerial order and deportation

Following the online publication of the video, Italian authorities initiated legal proceedings against Novacenko. Police detained the 31-year-old artist on the evening of 24 September while he was dining with his wife, later carrying out a search of his residence for firearms that yielded no weapons. On 26 September, a Justice of the Peace in Milan formally validated an expulsion order requested by the prefecture and the Milan police headquarters, finding that Novacenko posed a threat to public safety. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed the immediate revocation of the musician's residence permit and his deportation aboard a commercial flight from Milan Malpensa Airport to Moldova.

“In consideration of his social dangerousness, his residence permit was revoked and he was boarded on the first direct flight to his country of origin.”

Legal defense and appeal

Novacenko's defense attorney, Matteo Politano, announced plans to challenge the deportation before the Regional Administrative Court (TAR). Politano argued that the administrative measure was disproportionate to an act that lasted only a few minutes rather than an extended period. The attorney stated that firearms shown on the musician's social media accounts were rented stage props supported by rental invoices rather than functional weapons. Defense filings also emphasized Novacenko's deep ties to Italy, where he has resided since age 17 after arriving in 2009, works for a freight shipping company, holds a mortgage, and lives with his partner and their one-year-old child.

“They hit the only one they could hit.”

Enforcement context and past record

Judicial authorities based the expulsion ruling on Novacenko's prior criminal record alongside the recent highway blockage. Court files cited a 2016 conviction for unlawful possession of a telescopic baton, a separate minor conviction for narcotics possession, and past police reports concerning weapons and receipt of stolen goods. Undersecretary of the Interior Nicola Molteni defended the immediate expulsion decree, stating that public authorities would show zero tolerance for individuals who disrupt public infrastructure and endanger road users.

“The state confirms its line of firmness against those who violate the law by blocking a public road and endangering other people. There can be no tolerance for those who do not respect the rules of our legal system.”