Almese – Carabinieri have seized assets worth more than 700,000 euros in the province of Turin. The operation targeted an alleged cult leader and two other suspects at the centre of an investigation into a purported pseudo-sect in Almese, in the lower Susa Valley. Investigators focused on profits that the group’s leadership is suspected of having amassed illegally over many years.
According to the Carabinieri, from 2018 the self-proclaimed cult leader systematically concealed all his company and real-estate assets through fraudulent transfers. The assets were formally transferred to nominees and third-party companies, while the main suspect allegedly retained actual control.
Extensive seizures in several provinces
The preventive seizure order issued by the Turin prosecutor’s office covers a wide range of assets. These include current accounts, prepaid cards and a pension fund registered directly to the main suspect, who is currently in custody. Dozens of plots of land and buildings in La Cassa, Viù and Givoletto, in the province of Turin, were also seized. They were registered to an agricultural company linked to the two other suspects, close associates of the alleged guru.
Property and funds registered to a foundation that ran the group’s residential community were also seized. They are located in Givoletto (province of Turin), Perlo (province of Cuneo), San Gregorio di Catania (province of Catania) and Almese (province of Turin). Investigators also seized the contents of a bank safe-deposit box containing jewellery, historical coins and dozens of antique pocket watches. Financial investigations found that significant amounts of cash, as well as donated land, houses and valuables, allegedly passed directly from victims to the self-styled master and his close associates. One seized building in the province of Cuneo was reportedly intended as a shelter for women subjected to violence. The suspects are presumed innocent.
