30 May 2008

Designation of ‘Ndrangheta as a Narcotics Kingpin Organization, May 30, 2008

(Italian Ministry of the Interior - U.S. Embassy, Rome Joint Statement)

The White House announcement of the designation of 'Ndrangheta as a narcotics kingpin organization is the result of continuing close cooperation between the Governments of the United States and Italy. The designation empowers the U.S. Department of the Treasury to actively investigate and designate persons (both entities and individuals) associated with ‘Ndrangheta.

If an entity or individual associated with ‘Ndrangheta is later designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, any assets they hold in U.S. jurisdiction will be frozen. Although there is no legal requirement for Italian financial institutions to freeze assets, these institutions may view designated parties as a greater business risk and choose not to do business with them.

This congressionally-mandated annual action of the United States Government was consulted and coordinated with the prior and current Italian Governments and with Italian law enforcement, and is in line with measures already adopted by the Italian Government to combat the phenomenon of organized crime. Implementation of the designation will likewise be conducted in a coordinated manner fully respecting Italian sovereignty.

Both Governments hope that increasing the financial risks of doing business with 'Ndrangheta will further weaken and isolate the organization. The Governments of Italy and the United States share that goal.