Italian authorities are investigating three individuals involved in the money laundering, one of whom was the former legal representative of the sports association. The investigation revealed that between 2018 and 2024, this representative laundered money received from grants and funding from universities, public organisations and national sports bodies.

A second fake sports association was used to misappropriate the funds. Through bank transfers and cash withdrawals, funds were diverted from the legitimate sports association. During the final months of the suspect’s tenure as legal representative, financial transactions intensified. In total, the suspect allegedly laundered EUR 4.5 million.

After funds were channelled through the second sports association, money was transferred to family members of the representative. Most of the funds were transferred to bank accounts in Germany, after which the funds, amounting to EUR 2.5 million, were reinvested in financial investments, businesses and real estate.

Through judicial cooperation set up at Eurojust, Italian authorities, together with their German counterparts, identified 83 bank accounts, 2 luxury vehicles, 21 real estate properties and 4 businesses in Germany belonging to the suspects.

Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, assets worth EUR 7 million were seized as a preventive measure. Investigations into the suspects and the alleged money laundering are ongoing.

The actions were carried out by the following authorities:

• Italy: Public Prosecution Office Naples; Economic and Financial Police Unit and the 2nd Metropolitan Operational Unit – Guardia di Finanza Naples; Court of Naples
• Germany: Public Prosecution Office Cologne