On 7 October, authorities from Italy and Brazil, supported by Eurojust, successfully executed a major operation targeting a notorious mafia organization. This joint effort uncovered a complex money laundering scheme that spanned multiple countries and involved several companies. The operation led to the arrest of four key suspects and the seizure of nine companies across Italy, Hong Kong, and Brazil.
Arrests and Seizures in Mafia Crackdown
The suspects arrested in this international crackdown were directly involved in the mafia organization’s operations. Their criminal activities included extortion, money laundering, and the fraudulent transfer of assets, all aimed at benefiting influential mafia groups. The central figure in the scheme is believed to have set up numerous companies in Brazil using straw men and shell companies to conceal illicit proceeds. These companies were key players in laundering the mafia’s profits, particularly those generated by Italian mafia networks.
During the operation, authorities seized nine companies, along with EUR 350,000 in illicit funds. The companies involved spanned various sectors, including property and hospitality in Italy, Hong Kong, and Brazil, all used as fronts to launder criminal gains.
Eurojust and Joint Investigation Team
This recent operation on 7 October is the second major action carried out by a joint investigation team (JIT) established between Italian and Brazilian authorities with the support of Eurojust. The JIT has been investigating the mafia organization since 2022, uncovering its activities not only in Brazil and Italy but also in Switzerland and Hong Kong.
The first operation, which took place on 13 August, resulted in the arrest of a mafia family member and the freezing of assets worth EUR 50 million. These actions highlight the coordinated international effort to disrupt mafia activities and their financial networks.
Key Authorities Involved
The successful execution of this operation was made possible by the collaboration of various legal and law enforcement agencies from both Italy and Brazil. Key players included:
- Italy: The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Palermo – District Antimafia Directorate and the Guardia di Finanza’s Organized Crime Investigative Group (G.I.C.O.) of Palermo.
- Brazil: The Federal Prosecutor’s Office of Rio Grande do Norte.
These agencies have been working closely to track the mafia’s operations, utilizing sophisticated investigative techniques to trace the flow of money through legitimate-looking businesses and financial channels across multiple countries.
Ongoing Investigations
The investigations into the mafia’s global money laundering operations are ongoing. Authorities are focused on dismantling the intricate financial networks that enable organized crime groups to hide their illicit earnings. The cooperation between Italy, Brazil, and Eurojust has proven crucial in unearthing the scale of the mafia’s operations and ensuring that those involved are brought to justice.
