Editorial Staff of the Italian Anti-Money Laundering School

The Anti-Mafia Investigative Directorate (DIA) of Bologna, in collaboration with the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza, has completed a crucial operation against tax fraud. Called “On Air”, the investigation has revealed a sophisticated system for issuing false invoices, affecting the provinces of Bologna, Modena, Rome, Naples and Caserta, and involving a total of 27 investigated.

 The Role of Shell Companies: The Heart of the Fraudulent Mechanism

At the heart of the illicit system is a paper company, created specifically to issue invoices for non-existent operationsThe operational structure was divided into three main phases:

1. Issuing False Invoices The companies provided fictitious documents to client companies, which were useful for artificially reduce the taxable base.
2. Payment Management
   • The amounts indicated in the invoices were paid by bank transfer.
   • Intermediaries, called “horses,” collected the funds in cash for the next step.
3. Returns and Fees
   • The cash withdrawn was returned to the head of the criminal organization.
   • She was held one 10% commission as compensation for the “service”.

This system allowed the accumulation and laundering of large sums of money, guaranteeing client companies illicit tax advantages.

 Survey Results

• Judicial Provisions
  • 4 house arrests.
  • 5 residence obligations.
  • 1 suspension from work (involving a Poste Italiane employee).
• Preventive Seizures
  • Frozen beyond 2 million euro.
  • 5 company subjected to judicial administration.
• Searches and Implications
  • Made 70 searches, including those at companies that benefited from the fraudulent scheme.

 Investigative Methodologies

The investigations, coordinated by the Bologna District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) and directed by PM Roberto Ceroni, used a scientific and methodical approach, including:

• Telephone, telematic and environmental interceptions, particularly crucial during the period of pandemic restrictions.
• In-depth analysis of banking transactions and strategic shadowing services.
• Reports of suspicious transactions issued by the National Anti-Mafia Directorate.

 Implications and Reflections

The searches included the system's client companies, with the aim of verifying:

• The possible inclusion of false amounts in tax returns.
• Possible responsibilities for fraudulent statements (art. 2 Legislative Decree 74/2000).

La European School of Banking , Italian Anti-Money Laundering School They applaud the authorities' efforts, emphasizing the importance of a synergistic and strategic approach between investigative action and the business community. These investigative excellences pave a virtuous path that must be further strengthened, also through the contribution of high-level and specialized training programs.

SOURCE: DIA – ANTI-MAFIA INVESTIGATIVE DIRECTORATE