Italian authorities, in collaboration with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), have arrested six individuals in Piacenza as part of a crackdown on a network allegedly facilitating the trafficking of fentanyl from China to the United States. The Piacenza chief prosecutor highlighted the success of the operation, revealing that the DEA had arrested 11 others in the US and seized 2 kg of synthetic fentanyl.
The network’s alleged leader, a 51-year-old Italian, is suspected of purchasing fentanyl from China over three years and distributing it to buyers in the US and Mexico. The investigation, initiated in April, uncovered that the illicit substance arrived in Piacenza disguised as packages labeled for electronics or books from China.
Law enforcement traced 100,000 packaged doses, with economic transactions exceeding 250,000 euros facilitated through untraceable payment instruments using cryptocurrency. Although the judge in Piacenza ordered seven arrests, a Ukrainian national is currently a fugitive, prompting international law enforcement agencies to assist in his apprehension.
In a surprising twist, the investigation revealed that the group engaged in counterfeiting near-perfect Swiss coins. These coins were smuggled to Switzerland, laundered through automated sports betting machines and bitcoin ATMs, and then converted back into euros. The “cleaned” sum, minus a 7% commission, was returned to the counterfeiter in Piacenza.
During the operation, Italian police seized 300,000 euros in cash, approximately 26,000 euros in bitcoin, 70 computer devices, three valuable watches, and equipment used for counterfeiting currency. The crackdown underscores international efforts to combat the trafficking of fentanyl and related illicit activities involving cryptocurrency and counterfeiting.
