'Ndrangheta uses Ticino to evade Italian anti-mafia measures

Context

In brief

• The ’Ndrangheta uses Ticino companies to bypass anti-mafia injunctions
• Operation Blizzard-Folgore: 17 arrests and seizures worth 50 million
• Two companies in Lugano under investigation for money laundering and tax fraud

Key facts

• What: Use of Ticino companies to bypass anti-mafia injunctions
• When: March 25, 2025
• Where: Ticino, Italy
• Who: Isola Capo Rizzuto clan, Catanzaro Prosecution, Federal Criminal Court
• Amount: 50 million euros seized

A ruling by the Federal Criminal Court and an order from the Catanzaro prosecution reveal how the Isola Capo Rizzuto clan sought to use Ticino companies to shield themselves from Italian anti-mafia injunctions. This mechanism emerged clearly from a conversation intercepted in Italy, where two entrepreneurs discuss an Italian company affected by an anti-mafia injunction. The proposed solution? Transfer the company to Switzerland, 'with the clear aim of bypassing the injunction that had affected it' and 'to operate in a country where it would be sheltered from any judicial actions'.

Operation Blizzard-Folgore

On March 25, 2025, the Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) of Trento, in collaboration with the Catanzaro Prosecution, launched Operation Blizzard-Folgore, which resulted in 17 arrests across seven Italian provinces and preventive seizures worth approximately 50 million euros in Italy and Switzerland. 'The ’Ndrangheta today does finance,' declared the then chief prosecutor of Trento, Sandro Raimondi, at the time. On the same day, upon order of the Federal Department of Justice (MPC), several companies in Lugano were searched. Two of these, based at the same address, opposed the transfer of the seized documentation to the Trento prosecution. The Federal Criminal Court (TPF) rejected the appeal with a ruling on March 10.

The companies under investigation

From the TPF's decision, it emerges that two entrepreneurs would have 'facilitated the mafia association through the execution of illegal operations using companies attributable to them.' Among these would be one of the two appealing companies, suspected of 'criminal activities connected to money laundering, tax fraud, and the establishment of trusts and/or anonymous companies to be used instrumentally for the purchase and management of Italian and foreign companies.' For this reason, the judges of Bellinzona decided that all the documentation collected in Lugano must be transmitted to Trento. The lawyer of the two companies, Elio Brunetti, did not wish to make any statements.

The company to be repurchased

The ruling does not provide many further details, but by cross-referencing the information with other Italian judicial documents, in particular with an order from the Catanzaro Court from last December, more details emerge about the operation aimed at evading the Italian anti-mafia measures. At the center of the affair are two of the arrested individuals: Luigi Masciari and Antonio Giardino. The latter is active in the railway armament sector with a company – CF (Costruzioni Ferroviarie) SRL – based in Lombardy and employing over 100 workers with contracts obtained in Italy and abroad.

In June 2021, the company faced a problem: the Prefecture of Lodi imposed an anti-mafia injunction on it, ascertaining the links between the Giardino family and members of organized crime in Isola Capo Rizzuto, particularly with members of the Arena and Nicoscia clans. This is not the first time the name Giardino has appeared in investigations related to railway tenders. In 2022, the DDA of Milan had already documented the relationships between the family and Generali Costruzioni Ferroviarie (GCF), a Roman colossus of rail laying that was also investigated in Ticino for abuses at the AlpTransit construction site at Monte Ceneri.

The Swiss plan

At the end of November 2022, Masciari meets E.O., a Roman entrepreneur residing in Switzerland, in the province of Rome. He proposes the purchase for 1.5 million of CF, declared bankrupt and, he says, attributable to a relative of his. Immediately after, he informs Giardino via WhatsApp: he has found 'a Roman established in Switzerland.' E.O. expresses interest, explains that he has already obtained a bond through a Swiss company, and anticipates the intention to transfer control of the company.

Operational details

Implications for Ticino

The use of Ticino-based companies to circumvent Italian anti-mafia restrictions raises concerns about the Canton of Ticino's reputation as a safe and transparent place to do business. This case could have repercussions on the investment climate and the trust of foreign entrepreneurs operating in the region.

Procedures and Controls

Swiss authorities, particularly the Swiss Federal Prosecutor's Office (MPC) and the Swiss Federal Criminal Court (TPF), have shown to be active in combating these illicit practices. The raids and seizures carried out in Lugano are a clear signal that Swiss authorities do not tolerate the use of the Swiss financial and corporate system for illegal purposes.

Future Scenarios

While this case could lead to stricter controls on foreign companies operating in Switzerland, it could also encourage authorities to collaborate more closely with their Italian counterparts to effectively prevent and combat these criminal activities. For cross-border workers in Ticino, it is important to be aware of these dynamics and to ensure they always operate in compliance with both Swiss and Italian laws.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before this case, Ticino had already been involved in investigations related to mafia infiltrations, particularly in the sector of large public works. However, the use of Ticino-based companies to circumvent Italian anti-mafia restrictions represents a new challenge for Swiss authorities. This case could lead to increased controls and greater collaboration between Swiss and Italian authorities to prevent and combat these illicit activities.

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Key points

What to do if you suspect illegal activities

If you are a cross-border worker or an entrepreneur operating in Ticino and suspect illegal activities, it is important to act with caution and inform the competent authorities. You can contact the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) or the cantonal police to report any suspicions.

Procedure to report suspicious activities

1. Gather evidence: Document all the information and evidence you have. 2. Contact the authorities: Turn to the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) or the cantonal police. 3. Provide detailed information: Clearly explain what you have observed and why you suspect illegal activities. 4. Collaborate with the authorities: Be available to provide further information and to collaborate with the investigations.

Useful tools

To delve into the practical implications of this case and to ensure you are operating in compliance with the laws, you can use the tax calculator to verify your tax situation and ensure you are in compliance with Swiss and Italian regulations.

Conclusions

This case represents a new challenge for Swiss and Italian authorities in combating organized crime activities. For cross-border workers and entrepreneurs operating in Ticino, it is important to be aware of these dynamics and to ensure they always operate within the law. Use the tools at your disposal to verify your tax situation and ensure you are in compliance with the regulations.

Source: tvsvizzera.it