4 arrests in Ravenna for phantom European funds, including one from Alcamo

Last Updated: December 8, 2023

Four people have been arrested by the financial police of Ravenna on charges of organized crime aimed primarily at committing scams on non-existent European funds. The four individuals, including Luca Silvestrone, were arrested following an investigation that identified 395 scams throughout Italy, amounting to over one million and 600 thousand euros. The investigation began with a report from the financial information unit of the Bank of Italy regarding suspicious operations involving a company founded by Silvestrone in 2021. The suspects would contact people interested in European funding and offer to prepare the necessary (false) documentation, charging thousands of euros for the service. The investigation also revealed a network of companies involved in the exchange of invoices. One of the arrested individuals has denied the charges, claiming to be unaware of the actions of his collaborators.