The international criminal network had set up a sophisticated money laundering scheme in which the illegal proceeds from drug trafficking in France were collected at a residence in Italy and converted into gold bars and gold sheets. This made it possible to conceal the illegal origin of the proceeds and to transport them easily to other countries, in particular Kosovo*, Türkiye and Morocco. During the 10-month investigation, authorities discovered that at least 18 million euros had been laundered.
A couple is currently being investigated in Italy for orchestrating the money laundering operation. They were arrested in France in September 2025 after police discovered over 50 kilograms of gold bars hidden in a hidden compartment of a vehicle. Her arrest was one of the first measures in this investigation, in which the authorities also confiscated more than 30 million euros in criminal assets.
Following the initial measures, the authorities began analyzing the materials seized as part of the investigation, as well as additional information received from the Kosovo authorities. This analysis revealed additional bank accounts, business interests, real estate and high-value vehicles belonging to the Kosovar couple living in Italy.
Eurojust and Europol have been supporting the investigation since it began in December 2024 and play a key role in identifying, tracing and seizing criminal assets scattered around the world. Eurojust set up a joint investigation team between French and Italian authorities and coordinated the operations in September 2025 and June 2026.
Throughout the investigation, Europol assisted the French and Italian authorities by facilitating the exchange of information, providing operational and financial analysis, and providing expertise in the areas of money laundering and asset tracing. During the day of action, Europol sent a money laundering specialist and a financial analyst with a mobile office to Kosovo* to support the investigators on site. Europol also worked closely with Eurojust and provided financial support for operational meetings, investigative activities and the action days.
The day of action was made possible by the EU Ministry of the Interior (HAPE). The investigation was supported by the EU-funded @ON network, led by the Italian Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate (DIA).
The measures were carried out by the following authorities:
- France: Interregional Specialized Jurisdiction of Marseille (JIRS); National Gendarmerie Marseille – Research Department
- Italy: Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office – Anti-Mafia District Directorate; Guardia di Finanza – Milan Financial Police Unit, Organized Crime Investigation Unit (GICO); Central Organized Crime Investigation Service (SCICO)
- Kosovo*: Special Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kosovo; Kosovo police
* This designation is without prejudice to status positions and is consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244/1999 and the International Court of Justice Opinion on the Declaration of Independence of Kosovo
https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/news/eur-1-million-seized-during-ongoing-investigation-money-laundering-network
