Rome, major operation against tax fraud: 30 under investigation and €24 million seized
The Rome Financial Guard has dismantled a criminal organisation specialised in tax fraud through 64 shell companies. Property and assets worth more than €13 million seized and cash hidden in a billiard table.
Raid on 64 shell companies: seizures worth tens of millions
The Financial Guard of Rome's provincial command has concluded an anti-fraud operation that has led to the elimination of a criminal organisation engaged in large-scale tax evasion. According to milanotoday.it, the measure executed by the judge for preliminary investigations of Velletri tribunal involved 30 people, with arrests also in the provinces of Milan, Lodi and Bergamo.
The order provided for seven custodial sentences in prison for the heads of the structure; 15 house arrests for other suspects; and eight bans from holding executive positions in companies for 12 months. The investigation, coordinated by the Velletri prosecutor's office, had been launched in 2023 and had already resulted in the seizure of assets and liquidity exceeding €13 million on 29 September last year.
The fraudulent scheme
The criminal scheme was based on 64 companies with no actual operational activity, which issued invoices for non-existent transactions totalling more than €24 million. The tax evasion generated exceeded €4 million, whilst the falsified tax credits amounted to almost €23 million. The proceeds were then recycled into the legitimate economy through the purchase of real estate and luxury goods.
During searches, supported by specialist cash-detection dog units from Fiumicino, the financial police discovered more than 100,000 euros in cash and jewellery worth €300,000, concealed in the frame of a billiard table.
The charges brought
The 30 suspects were charged with criminal association, fraudulent declaration, improper offsetting of tax credits, money laundering, self-laundering and improper receipt of public funds. The companies involved were also subject to administrative liability. The judge confirmed the seriousness of the evidence collected and the risk of repeat offences, authorising the precautionary measures requested by the prosecutor's office.
The operation involved personnel from the Nettuno Company, supported by units from the provinces of Rome, Latina, Bergamo, Cosenza, Lodi and Milan.
Source: Google News IT — Crime (it)