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Analysis of the Sentence Cass. pen. n. 40389 of 2023: Prescription and Money Laundering

The sentence n. 40389 of the Supreme Court of Cassation, pronounced on October 4, 2023, is set against a background of significant legal discussion regarding the prescription of the crime of self-money laundering. The decision addressed the issue of the qualification of the legal provision established by art. 648 ter.1 of the Penal Code, paragraph 2, and its effects on the measure of prescription.

The Case

The case originated from an appeal filed by A.A., who contested the decision of the Court of Santa Maria Capua Vetere that had rejected his request for the release of a business complex from seizure. The defense argued that the crime of self-money laundering was extinguished by prescription, contending that the norm in question constituted an autonomous legal provision. However, the Court found that it was a mitigating circumstance, thus applying the maximum penalty provided for in paragraph 1 of the same article.

The Court's Arguments

The Court highlighted that the legal provision of art. 648 ter.1 of the Penal Code, paragraph 2, has the nature of a mitigating circumstance, with a particular favorable framework for less serious predicate crimes.

The Court analyzed various elements to reach the conclusion that paragraph 2 could not be considered an autonomous crime. Among these were the absence of an autonomous nomen iuris and a specific article, as well as the identity of the protected legal asset. Furthermore, it emphasized that the structure of the norm and the relationship of specialty with paragraph 1 were decisive for the classification of the legal provision.

Implications of the Sentence

This sentence has important repercussions on the assessment of prescription terms in the matter of self-money laundering. In fact, establishing that the prescription period should be commensurate with the maximum penalty of eight years provided for in paragraph 1, rather than the four years of paragraph 2, significantly alters the defensive landscape for defendants in cases related to self-money laundering.

  • Clarifications on the distinction between autonomous crimes and circumstantial ones.
  • Impact on the defensive strategy in cases of self-money laundering.
  • Reflections on prescription and the application of sanctions.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the sentence n. 40389 of the Cassation represents an important reference point for understanding the regulation related to self-money laundering and its prescription. The Court has managed to clarify complex legal issues, establishing principles that will influence future decisions in this area. The distinction between autonomous and circumstantial provisions is crucial for the application of criminal norms and the protection of the rights of defendants.