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Italian authorities arrested 12 people and seized more than 9.6 million euros ($10.9 million) in assets as part of a sweeping investigation into an alleged fraud scheme targeting European Union agricultural subsidies, officials said Wednesday.
At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Naples, the Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza) in Caserta carried out the arrests under an order from a judge at the Court of Salerno. The case centers on a suspected criminal network that allegedly defrauded the EU of more than 12.5 million euros ($14.2 million) in agricultural funds between 2018 and 2022.
Prosecutors say the group misrepresented one of its Salerno-based companies as a legitimate Producer Organization (PO)—a recognized consortium of farmers eligible for EU funding under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Investigators believe the suspects falsified documents to falsely demonstrate compliance with EU rules required for PO status.
By doing so, the company is alleged to have deceived Italian regional and national authorities, as well as the EU, and unlawfully secured millions in subsidies.
A total of 67 individuals and 27 companies are under investigation for suspected aggravated fraud and criminal association. The 12 arrested suspects were placed under house arrest, while authorities froze assets.
The investigation continues.
