ITALIAN authorities have seized €140 million (US$164 million) in assets as part of a major investigation into a tax evasion scheme in the oil trade allegedly operated by the ’Ndrangheta, Italy’s powerful Calabrian Mafia, according to the Guardia di Finanza financial police, German news agency dpa reported on Thursday.
The seizures were carried out in both Italy and Germany. Five companies are suspected of participating in what investigators described as a complex fraud network orchestrated by the ’Ndrangheta, which is based in southern Italy but has an extensive international presence.
The investigation, codenamed "Andrea Doria", was coordinated by anti-mafia prosecutors in Calabria and revealed a sophisticated system of tax evasion. According to authorities, front companies and fabricated commercial relationships were used to bypass value-added and consumption taxes on oil products.
“Fraudulent statements allowing tax-free purchases were used, among other things,” the report stated.
The criminal organisation is said to have controlled the oil distribution chain from import to street-level sale. The scheme involved shell companies and even local real estate agents.
Italian police confiscated 80 properties across the country and 28 businesses, including three based in Germany. The affected firms were involved in oil trading, transport, and property leasing.
Authorities also seized over 80 vehicles, several luxury watches, and around €1 million in cash. - June 27, 2025
