Torre Annunziata – A large-scale operation by the Guardia di Finanza Finanza led to the execution of 9 precautionary measures and the preventive seizure of assets worth almost 8 million euros, as part of an investigation into a criminal association dedicated to the marketing of adulterated pesticides, dangerous for public health and the environment.
The investigation, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Torre Annunziata, involved 200 financial officers from 30 departments, who executed an order from the GIP against individuals accused of criminal association, adulteration of pesticides, money laundering and self-laundering.
Illicit Trafficking: False Documents and Carcinogenic Mixtures
The illicit activity emerged in 2023, when the military of the Economic and Financial Police Unit seized 46 thousand liters of pesticides illegal, which would have brought in 5 million euros if placed on the market. The investigations, supported by wiretaps and technical analysis, revealed that the products – imported from China and Thailand with false customs declarations – were manipulated with toxic substances, making them more profitable but extremely dangerous.
The adulterated pesticides, without the necessary authorizations, were dilutable with double the water compared to the legal ones, guaranteeing the buyers an illicit saving and the investigated millionaire profits. The analyses confirmed the presence of carcinogenic substances, with serious risks for consumers and the environment.
Seized assets: houses, B&Bs and cash
The proceeds from the traffic were reinvested in three properties:
An apartment in Scafati (Salerno)
A summer residence in Capaccio Paestum (Salerno)
A B&B in Porto Cesareo (Lecce)
For a total value of 381 thousand euros, also seized. The suspects are also charged with the crime of self-laundering, for having reinvested the illicit earnings in apparently legal activities.
Precautionary measures
The GIP has ordered:
Jail for a suspect
House arrest with electronic bracelet for another seven
Prohibition of residence in Campania for another individual
In addition, 55 searches are underway in six regions (Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily), with the help of canine units specialized in searching for cash. The goal is to block the use of adulterated pesticides, avoiding further damage to crops and consumers.
Article published by A. Carlino on March 24, 2025, at 12:43 PM
Longtime contributor to Cronache della Campania
Always a careful observer of society and events.
He covers crime news and has collaborated with various newsrooms.
Comments (1)
The operation of the Guardia di Finanza seems to have been very important in fighting the illicit trafficking of pesticides, but I hope that there will be a real punishment for those who have put public health and the environment at risk, because these are serious things.