Sprinter Giacomo Tortu and “The Equalizer” are being investigated for espionage by allegedly spying on sprinter Marcell Jacobs

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While fiction harbours a grain of biography, straight out of a Marco Tullio Giordana movie, real-life spying in Italy is being investigated. Truth is at least as strange as fiction, here.

If at first you don’t conspiracy, try, try again. Well, what was to be alleged conspiracy theory fairy tales took a turn toward serious investigation for off all things, “espionage.” Or cyber-espionage to be more accurate.

Incredible in Italian athletics:

it seems that Filippo Tortu's brother has turned to an investigation agency (under investigation for various crimes) to get to Marcell Jacobs' analyses after his Olympic gold in the 100 meters.https://t.co/5xCcZhBHf5

— Queenatletica (@Queenatletica) February 13, 2025

It is alleged that the Italian sprinter has been the target of spying. Giacomo Tortu is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the scandal. The 32-year-old fellow Italian has been a fringe member of the national team, occasionally running fast enough to compete outside of Italy, mostly on the relay team.

The investigation points to a criminal organization, led by retired police inspector Carmine Gallo, illegally accessed Jacob’s personal data. Apparently, this was an alleged attempt to find evidence linking him to doping. The case took an even more surprising turn when Tortu, his brother of Filippo Tortu, Jacobs’ teammate on the Italian 4×100 relay team that won gold at Tokyo 2021, was brought forth.

It is alleged that Filippo requested confidential information about Jacobs from the private investigation agency name Equalize, with the purpose of obtaining evidence of a suspected use of banned substances.

The alleged spying took place during 2020 and 2021. During that period, hackers tried to access blood tests, and private conversations with his coach and medical team. They may have accessed compromising evidence.