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Seven Arrested in Franco‑Italian‑Swiss Takedown of Cocaine and Money‑Laundering Network

Authorities say the scheme routed Latin American cocaine via Antwerp and washed profits through shell companies and Riviera real estate for Camorra and ’Ndrangheta interests.

Coup de filet d’ampleur cette semaine entre la France et l’Italie. [Jonathan Raa / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP]
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Overview

  • Prosecutors in Marseille announced seven arrests following a coordinated operation in France, Italy and Switzerland earlier this week.
  • Investigators seized several luxury vehicles, real estate valued at over €5 million, €60,000 in cryptocurrency and €26,000 in cash.
  • The two‑year probe began in January 2023 after a Swiss intelligence tip about an Italian national suspected of large‑scale laundering.
  • Belgian customs linked the network in November by seizing a cocaine shipment at the port of Antwerp tied to shell companies and false invoicing.
  • Authorities say cocaine was concealed in specially modified luxury cars, with proceeds funneled through front companies and property holdings in the Alpes‑Maritimes.