Eurojust supports large-scale anti-mafia operation that led to arrest and freezing of €50 million

An investigation lasting more than two years has uncovered a complex money laundering scheme run by a Palermo mafia family. The total value of their profits is estimated at more than 500 million euros. They invested the profits from their crimes in several companies in Brazil. Collaboration between Italian, Brazilian and Swiss authorities led to the arrest of a member of the organized crime group (OCG) during a day of action on August 13, as well as the freezing of financial assets worth 50 million euros during several searches in Italy, Brazil and Switzerland.

In order to support other major mafia families, the OCG was involved in various criminal activities, including extortion, money laundering and fraudulent transfer of valuables. An integrated network of financial professionals in Italy and around the world helped the OCG invest its profits in companies in Italy, including a well-known hotel.

In 2016, the suspects moved their operations to Brazil to support another Italian criminal and launder more of their profits. The money arrived in Brazil through multiple transit bank accounts and with the support of their network of financial professionals in Italy.

One of the Mafia family’s key members moved to Natal, Brazil, to set up several businesses using front men and shell companies. Most of the businesses were involved in large real estate and construction projects, such as a construction site near Brazil’s northeast coast. Because these real estate projects were guaranteed to yield exceptionally high profits, it was easy for the OCG to hide their criminal profits. The family’s total assets are estimated at over 500 million euros.

The Italian and Brazilian authorities have been investigating the OCG’s activities since 2022 through a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), set up with the support of Eurojust. Their investigations revealed the OCG’s activities in Switzerland. Through Eurojust, the Swiss authorities were involved in the JIT’s investigations.

On 13 August, a major coordinated operation took place in Italy, Switzerland and Brazil, with the support of Eurojust. In Italy, 21 searches were carried out at the homes of OCG members and the offices of their companies. In Brazil, a suspect was arrested and financial assets worth 50 million euros were seized from 17 individuals (all under investigation), as well as 12 companies active in the real estate, construction and hospitality sectors. In Switzerland, the home of an Italian businessman was searched.