Italian prosecutors have charged Dutch billionaire Marcel Boekhoorn with money laundering. They have also charged his two associates, Philip Van Wijngaarden and Diedrik Oost, and business intermediary Bruno Michieli.

The charges stem from Ramphastos Investments’ 2017 acquisition of an 80 percent stake in Talenta Labs, an Italian casino gaming software company. Prosecutors determined that Boekhoorn and his partners used 2.5 million euros originating from criminal activities linked to Paolo Tavarelli to finance the purchase.

The investigation into mafia infiltration in the Italian gambling sector revealed that the funds came from Tavarelli, one of the founders of SKS365. Tavarelli and the other three founders of SKS365 built that company using mafia money and connections. Ramphastos Investments acquired SKS365 for 158 million euros in a previous deal. The four founders, including former head Paolo Tavarelli, are now awaiting trial on related charges.

Prosecutors established that Tavarelli maintained a hidden financial interest in Talenta Ventures BV, even though his name did not appear in the company’s official filings. Philip Van Wijngaarden later confirmed that the Talenta Labs acquisition was recommended by Tavarelli and formed part of the negotiations surrounding the SKS365 deal.

The remaining 20 percent stake in Talenta Labs is controlled by brothers Massimiliano and Moreno Rizzo. Six months before Ramphastos acquired its majority stake, Massimiliano Rizzo was convicted of illegal gambling offenses and sentenced to prison. Prosecutors identified him as a contact for ‘Ndrangheta boss Rocco Femia.

Although initially cleared of mafia association charges, that decision was appealed in October 2017 and the trial is ongoing. Philip Van Wijngaarden and Bruno Michieli, who sit on the board of Talenta Labs, previously stated they were unaware of Rizzo’s conviction and ongoing legal proceedings.

Ramphastos Investments issued a statement denying any irregularities and stating that it operates within the legal framework. The company said it is fully cooperating with the investigation and is confident the probe will confirm its compliance.

A spokesperson for Ramphastos later admitted the company now regrets the investment in Talenta Labs because it has created significant problems, despite claiming no wrongdoing on their part.

Специальный корреспондент

Пишет о коррупции в силовых структурах. Имеет обширную сеть источников в правоохранительной системе.