Solofra fraud ring faces 34 charges over €350 million false invoicing scheme

Italian investigators have charged 34 individuals in a large‑scale invoicing fraud centred on Solofra, a town in the province of Avellino. The operation involved more than 40 companies that issued false invoices and credit notes, generating roughly €350 million in fictitious transactions over three years.

The probe, led by the Avellino Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Guardia di Finanza, uncovered that the scheme began during the COVID‑19 lockdown, when a local firm continued to issue invoices amounting to €8 million in 2020 and €3.2 million in 2021 despite a shutdown of commercial activity. Investigators identified a carousel‑like pattern: one company created false invoices, another paid them via instant transfers, and the money was quickly withdrawn or moved to other entities. Charges include association to commit a crime, issuance of false invoices, self‑laundering, and money laundering. The suspects now have 20 days to submit defenses after the prosecutor’s notice of closure of preliminary investigations.