Italy Seizes €7 Million in CUS Napoli Money Laundering Investigation With German Links
Italian authorities have executed a €7 million preventive seizure in an investigation into alleged embezzlement, money laundering, self-laundering and reinvestment of illicit proceeds involving the Centro Universitario Sportivo di Napoli (CUS Napoli), with assets also identified in Germany.
The measure was carried out on September 3, 2026 by the Guardia di Finanza’s Economic and Financial Police Unit and 2nd Metropolitan Operational Unit in Naples under an order issued by a judge at the request of the Naples Public Prosecutor’s Office. Three people are under investigation, including former CUS Napoli president Elio Cosentino, his wife and his son.
Investigators allege €4.5 million was diverted
According to Italian reporting citing the prosecutors and Guardia di Finanza investigation, authorities allege that approximately €4.5 million in funds provided to CUS Napoli by universities, public bodies and national sporting organisations were diverted between 2018 and 2024.
The alleged transfers included bank payments, cash deposits and point-of-sale credits. Investigators say part of the money moved through another sports association that lacked genuine operational independence, with more than €2.5 million ultimately transferred to Germany.
Authorities allege the German-linked funds were then used for financial investments, commercial activity, property acquisitions and renovations, as well as purchases including luxury vehicles.
Cross-border seizure coordinated with German authorities
The investigation identified assets in Germany through international judicial cooperation coordinated by Eurojust and involving the Cologne Public Prosecutor’s Office. Reporting on the case says investigators traced numerous banking relationships, properties and commercial interests connected to the inquiry.
The €7 million order is a preventive seizure, not a confiscation following conviction. The three individuals remain under investigation and the allegations have not been finally established by a court.
The case is relevant to financial-crime practitioners because it combines alleged diversion of public funds with cross-border movement and reinvestment of proceeds, requiring cooperation between Italian and German authorities to identify and restrain assets across jurisdictions.
