Italian police seize assets of suspected Sacra Corona Unita boss tied to illegal gambling hub in Brindisi area

Italian law enforcement has carried out an operation in the Brindisi area targeting a suspected illegal gambling network and a man believed to hold a senior position in the Sacra Corona Unita criminal organization. On October 28, police executed a court seizure order against Tobia Parisi, as well as action involving his partner and other relatives.

Parisi was sentenced in June to 13 years in prison for attempted extortion, a verdict that remains under appeal. Investigators first took an interest in him because his declared income did not match his lifestyle. He was officially registered as an agricultural worker, yet is alleged to have controlled assets worth at least EUR 600,000 (about $669,000). Officials allege his criminal history spans the past 25 years.

The most significant seizure was the Free Time Lounge Bar in the town of Mesagne. The 10,700-square-foot building was regarded as a logistical base for the organization and an operational center for a clandestine gambling network. Police also took over Carlucci Car, a nearby car dealership that Parisi allegedly controlled through an intermediary.

Other assets seized include a high-end apartment in Brindisi registered to his partner and a small countryside villa. Investigators believe the villa was previously used to shelter the crime boss Daniele Vicientino while he was a fugitive. Police further seized vehicles bought with illicit funds, numerous bank accounts, savings deposits and prepaid cards held at various financial institutions.

The operation follows other recent enforcement against unlicensed gambling in Italy. In July, authorities raided illegal gambling dens in the Agrigento region, confiscating unlicensed machines and issuing fines of roughly $23,000; machines at one location were not connected to the PREU network, through which Italy's gaming levy is collected. In February, police in the province of Reggio Calabria shut down an illegal gaming den that operated as a full gaming shop and was reportedly linked to a Maltese gaming licensee.

Taken together, the actions show Italian authorities continuing to pursue unlicensed gambling and organized crime, with the aim of steering players toward regulated offerings.