In an undercover mission by the Roman police to break up a violent racket targeting tourists, 20 “gladiators” have been arrested.

According to AFP news agency, some Roman police had disguised themselves as gladiators and garbage men to arrest some 20 men in gladiator costumes who are threatening tourists.

The detained “gladiators” are reported to have attacked and intimidated competitors, including officers who disguised as their fellow “gladiators.” That’s when the other undercover police moved in.

The undercover police operation was set up after complaints from Italian tourists and tour agencies. The tourists said they had paid a costumed man for a tour of museums in the Vatican and they claimed they were threatened when they demanded their money back because the tour did not take place.