Italian Guardia di Finanza dismantles car‑theft syndicate in Foggia province

The Finance Police in Foggia executed precautionary measures against 13 suspects linked to an organized criminal association dedicated to aggravated vehicle theft, receipt, and money laundering. The court ordered house arrest for ten individuals, a residence ban for one, and police reporting obligations for two others.

Investigations revealed a two‑tier structure: a Bitonto group carried out high‑powered vehicle thefts using the so‑called “spintarella” method and quickly disassembled the cars in remote rural areas. The Cerignola faction managed logistics, storing parts in secure depots, transporting them to compliant car‑scrappers, and feeding the black market for spare parts. Proceeds were partially recycled by the association’s leader through the purchase of rental cars, obscuring the illicit origin of the funds.

The operation underscores the Guardia di Finanza’s ongoing effort to combat economic‑financial crime and related money‑laundering activities that affect citizens and distort fair competition.