Extortion Investigation – Italy
Subsequent to their acquisition of a European subsidiary, a global operator of a chain of entertainment venues took steps to eliminate the Italian subsidiary of the target and consolidate it under the Spain-based operation. The company’s European CFO was subsequently physically threatened by two individuals outside his Italy residence that if the company continued with its plans to close down the Italy operation, he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. The investigation revealed that prior to the purchase, a local crime boss and member of the Camorra crime family had a great deal of influence over what movies were shown in the company’s Italy-based theaters, which vendors the company used to services and regularly could be found inside the company’s offices where he apparently conducted business from a private office. The culmination of this project were several different potential strategies to distance themselves from the crime boss and sever the relationship without any further threats of violence.
