The visitor shocked the world when he was filmed carving his name into the wall of the 2,000-year-old Colosseum in Rome and grinned when he realised he was being filmed.
After a spate of Americans vandalizing Italian heritage sites last year, many were relieved to learn that this time the suspect was not from the US but from the UK.
2,000 year old Roman Colosseum
Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano tweeted on June 29 that the Carabinieri police force had "identified the person responsible for the uncivilized and thoughtless act that occurred at the Colosseum."
“An act that has offended everyone around the world who appreciate the value of archaeology, monuments and history,” he added.
Sangiuliano's tweet confirmed that "Ivan and Hayley" were believed to be the names of the tourist and his girlfriend who were filmed carving their names into the Colosseum.
In a second tweet, Sangiuliano suggested that the case would go to trial. "I hope that justice will be served, applying the law strictly. If it goes to trial, the Ministry of Culture will appear as a plaintiff," Sangiuliano wrote.
Italian news agency Ansa reports identification of monument vandal
If convicted, the man could be fined at least $16,360 or face up to five years in prison, according to Italy's Ansa news agency.
Carabinieri police released a statement to CNN , confirming the suspect had been traced and the couple were believed to be from the UK.
"The main suspect has been identified through traditional investigations and photo comparisons. Carabinieri confirms that they are a couple, a man and a woman, residing in the UK. It should be noted that the proceedings are at a preliminary investigation stage and the suspect must be presumed innocent until any final court decision is made," the Carabinieri statement said, according to CNN .
Sangiuliano added in a statement that a government bill currently going through Congress would "make those who desecrate our heritage accountable - the vandals. The damage must be paid."
Sadly, tourists vandalizing the Colosseum is nothing new. In 2020, an Irish tourist was reported to the police for carving his initials into the wall.
Last August, an American couple was caught carving their initials into the Arch of Augustus, a 2,000-year-old monument next to the Colosseum.
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