Italian 'Ndrangheta Money Laundering Scheme Exposes Consulate in Fortaleza, Brazil

Brazilian federal prosecutors say the Italian organized‑crime group ‘Ndrangheta used the address of the Italian honorary consulate in Fortaleza to register shell companies and launder millions of euros. Eight people – four Italians and four Brazilians – including former honorary vice‑consul Cesare Villone, were charged with organized‑crime, money‑laundering, tax fraud and falsifying documents.

The investigation, launched after a tip from Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, identified fictitious invoices and companies that obtained investor‑visa permits while receiving illicit funds from Italy. Prosecutors allege that Villone helped set up 18 of the 21 companies and used his diplomatic status to facilitate the scheme. The case was accepted by the 11th Federal Court of Ceará on 15 July, and the defendants now face trial.