# Ndrangheta organized crime money laundering operations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ndrangheta-organized-crime-money-laundering-operations > Updated: 2026-08-21T04:44:28.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. Investigations into the 'Ndrangheta organized crime group have revealed widespread money laundering operations spanning from Italy to Brazil. In Fortaleza, Brazil, federal prosecutors charged eight individuals, including former honorary vice-consul Cesare Villone, for allegedly using the Italian honorary consulate’s address to register shell companies. Prosecutors claim Villone used his diplomatic status to facilitate the scheme, which involved fictitious invoices and the illicit acquisition of investor-visa permits. Simultaneously, investigations by Italy’s Guardia di Finanza have highlighted the group’s infiltration of legal markets within Italy, specifically the gold buying sector. Criminal organizations are reportedly exploiting individuals selling private gold reserves to launder funds. This expansion shows a strategic link between the group’s origins in Reggio Calabria and economic hubs like Milan, necessitating international coordination with Eurojust to combat the organization’s global reach. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Organized crime infiltrates Italy's gold market and northern hubs Criminal organizations like the 'Ndrangheta are infiltrating legal markets, using gold buying sectors and economic expansion from Calabria to Milan to facilitate global money laundering operations. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/organized-crime-infiltrates-italys-gold-market-and-northern-hubs ### 2026-07-27: Italian 'Ndrangheta Money Laundering Scheme Exposes Consulate in Fortaleza, Brazil Brazilian prosecutors allege the Italian mafia ‘Ndrangheta used the Fortaleza honorary consulate to register shell firms and launder €5 million, charging eight suspects including ex‑vice‑consul Cesare Villone. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-ndrangheta-money-laundering-scheme-exposes-consulate-in-fortaleza-brazil --- Cite as: Ndrangheta organized crime money laundering operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ndrangheta-organized-crime-money-laundering-operations