Italy’s Elaborate Passport Scam: How Antarctica and Malta Became Unwilling Money Laundering Havens
On August 18, 2022, the Italian State Police announced the dismantling of an intricate scam that extended from their own territory to the icy shores of Antarctica and the Mediterranean island of Malta. more than €400,000 in ill-gotten gains from an Italian passport scam were laundered through Maltese banks and channels.
The ‘Antarctic Theocratic Sovereign State of St George’ Passport Scam
The Italian authorities discovered a phony Antarctic state called the ‘Antarctic Theocratic Sovereign State of St George’ had been selling passports to unsuspecting victims. The scam promised various benefits, including tax exemptions and freedom from Covid-19 vaccine mandates.
!figura-img align=“right” src=“image.jpg” alt=“Antarctic Passport Scam Logo”
Malta’s Role in the Elaborate Scheme
Malta, with its reputation for questionable citizenship and passport schemes, was a substantial component of the elaborate scam. According to an announcement from the Italian State Police, the profits generated from the scam were set to be laundered through Maltese territory and channelled through a representative of the fictional state based there.
Individuals Accused and Arrested
So far, the Italian authorities have identified 12 individuals accused of orchestrating and participating in the scam. These individuals will be charged with money laundering, conspiracy, fraud, and the production and possession of false documents. Additionally, an alleged network of over 30 accomplices has been uncovered during the investigation.
## Timeline of Events
- April 2021: The Italian police started investigating after discovering evidence of drug trafficking at the supposed diplomatic headquarters of the Antarctic state in Catanzaro.
- August 2022: The Italian authorities arrested 12 individuals and uncovered an alleged network of over 30 accomplices involved in the scam.
- More than €400,000 in ill-gotten gains were laundered through Maltese banks and channels.
The Attraction of the Scam
The Italian authorities report that over 700 Italian citizens and residents paid between €200 and €1,000 to become ‘citizens’ of the Antarctic state. Being a ‘citizen’ came with enticing perks:
- Substantial funding for research projects
- Streamlined bureaucracy
- Business efficiency
- Access to unique Antarctic passports
- Tax exemptions
- Sales of land in Antarctica
- Associated noble titles
The most desirable benefit was the low 5% tax rate for new citizens.
Creating Credibility: Bogus Government Institutions and Documents
The criminals had even gone as far as to create a range of authentic-looking bogus government institutions, an official gazette, identity documents, a website, and a Facebook page to deceive their victims. They even produced counterfeit documentation such as passports and diplomatic identity cards that met international standards. These documents have reportedly been used in hotels, during police checks, at airports, and to facilitate drug trafficking activities.
Notable Arrests
Among those arrested this week were a former Guardia di Finanza (tax police) general, Mario Farnesi, and a former Carabinieri (paramilitary police) warrant officer, Emanuele Frasca.
Expected Developments
The Italian authorities expect more details to emerge as the prosecutions unfold, detailing exactly how Malta was to have served as a money laundering and diplomatic base for the non-existent Antarctic state. Stay tuned for further developments in this captivating case.