Luxury yacht seized in Torre Annunziata over tax evasion

Authorities have seized a luxury yacht valued at approximately 2.6 million euros in the port of Torre Annunziata. The vessel, which flies the flag of the Cayman Islands, was intercepted by the Naples Naval Station of the Guardia di Finanza and officials from the Customs and Monopolies Agency.

The seizure follows an investigation by the Prosecutor's Office of Torre Annunziata into alleged aggravated smuggling and customs fraud. Investigators believe the 78-foot vessel remained within European Union waters for longer than the 18-month limit permitted under the temporary admission regime without being re-exported or having the necessary import duties paid. This evasion is estimated at 572,000 euros.

Additionally, authorities are investigating a suspected false declaration made to the Port Authority of Ostia. While documentation claimed the yacht arrived from Hammamet, Tunisia, in May 2023, investigators suggest the vessel may have remained in continuous use without proper regularization.