Italy's Guardia di Finanza marks 252nd anniversary with record enforcement actions

On 26 June 2026 the Guardia di Finanza celebrated its 252 years in Padova and Varese, highlighting extensive anti‑fraud activity. In the Padova province the force logged 6,623 interventions and 387 investigations from 1 January 2025 to 31 May 2026, resulting in 201 tax‑related prosecutions, seizures worth about €14 million and €5.4 million in tax‑credit safeguards. International tax evasion cases numbered 13, and illegal tobacco and energy product seizures exceeded 69 tonnes.

In Varese the commander reported 644 inspections that challenged €172 million of taxable income and €115 million of VAT, leading to 379 individuals charged and asset seizures over €235 million. Fifteen cross‑border evasion cases recovered more than €60 million, while 73 total evaders, 294 irregular workers and 126 employers were identified. Fraud against public funds exceeded €25 million, illicit currency movements amounted to €45.5 million, and counterfeit goods valued at about €2 million were seized. Drug interdictions at Malpensa airport captured over 2,300 kg of substances, with 359 people charged and 59 arrested.