The international criminal network had set up a sophisticated money laundering scheme whereby the illicit proceeds generated from drug trafficking in France were collected at a residence in Italy and converted into gold bars and gold sheets. This made it possible to hide the illicit origin of the proceeds and transport them easily to other countries, in particular Kosovo*, Türkiye and Morocco. During the 10-month investigation, authorities found that at least EUR 18 million had been laundered. 

A couple is currently under investigation in Italy for orchestrating the money laundering operation. They were arrested in September 2025 in France after law enforcement discovered over 50 kilograms of gold bars concealed inside a hidden compartment of a vehicle. Their arrest was among the first actions in this investigation, during which authorities also seized more than EUR 30 million in criminal assets. 

After the initial actions, the authorities began analysing the materials seized during the investigation, along with additional information obtained by the Kosovar authorities. This analysis revealed additional bank accounts, business interests, real estate and high-value vehicles owned by the Kosovar couple residing in Italy.

Eurojust and Europol have supported the investigation since the start in December 2024, playing a key role in identifying, tracing and seizing criminal assets scattered around the globe. Eurojust set up a joint investigation team between French and Italian authorities and coordinated the operations in September 2025 and June 2026. 

Throughout the investigation, Europol supported the French and Italian authorities by facilitating the exchange of information, providing operational and financial analysis, and delivering specialist expertise in money laundering and asset tracing. During the action day, Europol deployed a money laundering specialist and a financial analyst to Kosovo* with a mobile office to support investigators on the ground. Europol also worked closely with Eurojust and provided financial support for operational meetings, investigative activities and the action days.

The action day was facilitated by the Home Affairs Programme of the EU (HAPE). The e investigation was supported by the EU-funded @ON Network, led by the Italian Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate (DIA).

The actions were carried out by the following authorities:

• France: Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction Marseille (JIRS); National Police Marseille – Investigations Unit
• Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office Milan – Anti Mafia District Directorate; Guardia di Finanza – Nucleo Polizia Finanziaria Milan, Organised Crime Investigation Unit (GICO); Central Investigation Service for Organised Crime (SCICO)
• Kosovo*: Special Prosecution Office of the Republic of Kosovo; Kosovo Police

Further information for media representatives only:

* This designation is made without prejudice to positions on status and is in accordance with UNSCR 1244/ 1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence