'Ndrangheta uses Ticino to evade Italian anti-mafia measures
Swiss and Italian rulings reveal how the Isola Capo Rizzuto clan used Ticinese companies to bypass anti-mafia injunctions
Contesto
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...
Dettagli operativi
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. ## Useful tools to protect your net income To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.
Punti chiave
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
Punti chiave
{"q":"What are the anti-mafia injunctions?","a":"Anti-mafia injunctions are measures adopted by Italian authorities to exclude companies with links to organized crime from public tenders and contracts. These measures are provided for by Italian law to prevent mafia infiltration in the public tender sector."},{"q":"What are the consequences for companies involved in illegal activities?","a":"Companies involved in illegal activities may face preventive seizures, asset confiscations, and administrative sanctions. Additionally, their executives can be arrested and prosecuted for crimes such as money laundering, tax fraud, and mafia-type criminal association."},{"q":"How can I protect myself from illegal activities?","a":"To protect yourself from illegal activities, it's important to be aware of the current regulations and always operate within the law. If you suspect illegal activities, contact the competent authorities and provide all the information and evidence you have. Use tools like the [tax calculator to check your tax situation and ensure you are compliant with the regulations."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the anti-mafia injunctions?
- Anti-mafia injunctions are measures adopted by Italian authorities to exclude companies with links to organized crime from public tenders and contracts. These measures are provided for by Italian law to prevent mafia infiltration in the public tender sector.
- What are the consequences for companies involved in illegal activities?
- Companies involved in illegal activities may face preventive seizures, asset confiscations, and administrative sanctions. Additionally, their executives can be arrested and prosecuted for crimes such as money laundering, tax fraud, and mafia-type criminal association.
- How can I protect myself from illegal activities?
- To protect yourself from illegal activities, it's important to be aware of the current regulations and always operate within the law. If you suspect illegal activities, contact the competent authorities and provide all the information and evidence you have. Use tools like the [tax calculator](nav:calculator) to check your tax situation and ensure you are compliant with the regulations.