Investigators found and seized one million euros in cash in Mugnano di Napoli, hidden under vacuum inside a cell in a warehouse adjacent to a fish-selling complex. The discovery was made during an investigation into alleged tax fraud in the wholesale fish trade.

The investigation was coordinated by the Naples Public Prosecutor's Office and conducted by the Guardia di Finanza's Economic and Financial Police unit.

Separately, a preventive seizure exceeding 17.6 million euros was ordered by the Judge for Preliminary Investigations of the Naples court. The available reporting does not establish final convictions or definitive liability, and the allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.

What investigators allege

According to the validated reporting, the alleged scheme concerned wholesale trade in salmon, tuna, sea bass and gilthead sea bream.

Investigators estimated false invoicing at approximately 87 million euros.

ANSA reported that 14 individuals and legal entities were involved in the proceedings. The reported breakdown of the preventive seizure was:

  • approximately 9.8 million euros for tax offences
  • approximately 1.8 million euros for aggravated fraud involving public funds
  • approximately 6 million euros for money laundering and self-laundering

Where the investigation reached

The investigation covered activity in the provinces of Naples, Caserta, Avellino, Rimini and Milan.

The sources do not identify the exact fish-trading complex, warehouse, company names or individuals involved. They also do not specify the date on which the cash was placed in the cell or how long it remained there, and they do not provide a full itemised list of all assets included in the 17.6-million-euro seizure.

What remains to be established

The cash in Mugnano was found and seized during the operation. The provided reporting does not clearly establish how that cash relates to the assets covered by the broader preventive seizure.

Further judicial steps will determine whether the allegations result in charges, trials or convictions.