The Turin Traffic Police (Piedmont Criminal Investigation Department) has defeated an Italian, Albanian and Egyptian organization dedicated to the reception of stolen goods and the international recycling of cars and operating machinery stolen in Northern Italy. The investigation, coordinated by prosecutor Paolo Scafi of the city’s public prosecutor’s office, led to the arrest of 14 people on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Three other people are still being sought, who are also to be arrested. Many people have similar beliefs. In addition to those arrested, eight suspects are also at large.
As part of the investigation, the money laundering of 12 high-quality cars and 10 agricultural and construction machines such as excavators, concrete mixers and road rollers with an estimated value of around one million euros was tracked down. According to the findings, all vehicles were destined for Gambia, Egypt, Slovenia and Albania. Some of the vehicles were identified and confiscated in Italy, Albania, Switzerland, Slovenia and Belgium.
The investigation began thanks to a December 2020 report by Slovenian police, which pointed to a location on Via Pinchia in Turin where luxury cars had been loaded by an unsuspecting tow truck that had been contacted by the organisation. A witness has given several clues to track down the gang. In addition to Turin, the buyers were also active in Milan, Pavia and Lodi. Confiscations were carried out in Lecco, Bari and Naples.
Most thefts, particularly of construction vehicles, occurred at night and at weekends when vehicles were left unattended. However, one of the most popular victims of car thefts were car rental companies: the cars were rented and not returned. The leader of the organization is said to be an Egyptian living in Chiasso, Switzerland, who was arrested in Milan, where most of the arrests also took place. Further arrests were made in the provinces of Turin, Alessandria, Piacenza, Pavia, Cremona, Bergamo and Como.