Italy’s secret Mafia financial network: 30 people placed under security measures and assets worth more than €21 million seized

An illegal financial operation suspected of helping Mafia organizations launder money and recycle criminal proceeds was uncovered by the Guardia di Finanza in Milan and Monza Brianza. The investigation was conducted under the coordination of the Anti-Mafia Directorate of the Milan Prosecutor’s Office.

Investigators suspect that people linked to three criminal organizations operated within the network: the ’Ndrangheta, the Camorra and the so-called “Fourth Mafia,” associated with organized crime in the Foggia area. The operation resulted in 30 security measures being imposed in Italy, Spain and Switzerland, and assets worth more than €21 million being seized.

According to the investigation, the scheme was allegedly used to issue fake invoices worth more than €110 million. International transactions involving cryptocurrencies were also allegedly used to launder €68 million.

Italian authorities describe the operation as a “secret bank” serving the Mafia. It is suspected of facilitating the transfer and laundering of large sums through international financial schemes and crypto-asset transactions.

The charges under investigation include participation in a criminal organization, with aggravating circumstances related to aiding and using Mafia methods. The case also involves suspicions of tax fraud, bankruptcy-related offenses, drug trafficking and violations of firearms legislation.

Of the 30 people placed under security measures, 16 have been remanded in custody in prison, while 14 have been placed under house arrest.

The operation was also carried out in Spain and Switzerland as part of international cooperation between law enforcement authorities. More than 350 Guardia di Finanza officers took part, supported by specialized units and Interpol’s I-CAN unit, which handles international cooperation against the ’Ndrangheta.

Alongside the security measures, authorities are seizing assets worth more than €21 million. These include cash, bank accounts, cryptocurrencies, vehicles, boats, jewelry, luxury watches and money-counting machines.

Investigators are working to establish exactly how the financial network operated. It is suspected of helping Mafia organizations transfer and launder illicit profits across borders.

Italian authorities are continuing their work to determine the responsibility of each person involved and reconstruct the network’s financial connections. Those under investigation are presumed innocent until a final court ruling is issued.