The 1595 viola was stolen on October 7, 1980, after violist Albert Bianchi left the instrument in his car, parked in front of La Scala, after a concert. It was recovered in Rosate, a Milan suburb. Three suspects, a 39-year-man from Lodi, a 73-year-old from Pavia, and a 69-year-old from Rosate, have been charged with the theft.
Police from Pavia, Lodi, and Milan collaborated to find the instrument.