At the centre of the trafficking of adulterated pesticides which yesterday led to the issuing of nine precautionary orders were the companies Agro Val Service srl of Boscoreale and Romanus Agro srl, through which toxic products intended for agriculture and gardening were marketed.
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Telephone interceptions have allowed the identification of the alleged head of the criminal organization, or the entrepreneur from Boscoreale Francesco FedericoThe entrepreneur ended up in prison while another 7 people (three relatives and four blockheads) ended up under house arrest with an electronic bracelet while a ninth person was ordered to be detained residence ban in Campania.
Adulterated and dangerous pesticides for public health
The investigations revealed an illicit system that involved the importation of illegal pesticides, then altered with other chemical substances to increase their volume and economic yield. Thanks to false customs declarations, the products were introduced into Italy evading controls and subsequently diluted with double the amount of water required for legal pesticides, thus guaranteeing the suspects an enormous illicit savings and millionaire profits.
The investigation, launched in 2023 with the seizure of 46 thousand liters of adulterated pesticides, has unmasked a vast traffic of highly toxic and carcinogenic products, illegally imported from China and Thailand to be then manipulated and resold without any authorization.
Arrests and seizures for millions of euros
Following the investigations, the GIP of the Court of Torre Annunziata has arranged:
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1 arrest in prison,
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7 house arrests with electronic bracelet,
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1 ban on residence in Campania.
Furthermore, a preventive seizure of almost 8 million euros, comprising cash, bank accounts, company shares and real estate, including an apartment in Scafati, a villa in Capaccio Paestum and a B&B in Porto Cesareo, purchased with illicit proceeds.
Blitz in six regions to stop the spread of toxic products
During the operation, tests were carried out 55 searches in Campania, Lazio, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily, involving buyers and intermediaries of illegal pesticides. The aim was to prevent the further distribution of these toxic compounds, potentially harmful both to the environment and to consumer health.
The investigation continues to shed light on the entire distribution network and any responsibilities of other parties involved.
Article published on March 25, 2025 - 07pm
The topic discussed is very serious and touching, but I do not understand how it is possible that there are people who take advantage of public health in this way. I hope they are severely punished for their actions.