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Money Laundering and Fraud: Commentary on the Judgment of the Court of Cassation, Section II, No. 8793 of 2024

The recent ruling of the Court of Cassation, Section II, No. 8793 of 2024, offers interesting insights regarding the distinction between the crimes of money laundering and complicity in cyber fraud. The Court upheld the conviction of an individual for the crime of money laundering, highlighting the importance of assessing the defendant's awareness of the illicit origin of the sums received. Let us analyze the key points of the decision and the legal implications that arise from it.

Context of the Ruling

The case involves A.A., who was initially acquitted by the Court of Turin but subsequently convicted by the Court of Appeal for money laundering, in relation to sums of money originating from cyber fraud. The defense contested this decision, arguing the good faith of the defendant and the absence of intent in his conduct.

The appellate judge attributed significant probative value to the use of the defendant's bank account for the deposit of sums coming from previous episodes of cyber fraud.

The Court's Reasoning

The Court of Cassation deemed the grounds for appeal presented by the defense inadmissible, emphasizing that the role of the judge of legitimacy is not to replace the merit judges but to verify whether the latter have examined all available elements and provided adequate reasoning. In particular, the Court highlighted:

  • The defendant's responsibility exists when it is shown that he received sums from illicit sources into his bank account, regardless of his active participation in the fraud.
  • Eventual intent can also be configured in the form of acceptance of the risk regarding the illicit origin of the received funds.
  • The issue of complicity in the underlying crime must be carefully assessed, as the absence of specific agreements with the perpetrators of the fraud implies that the defendant cannot be deemed guilty of complicity but only of money laundering.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 8793 of 2024 represents an important reflection on the responsibilities related to money laundering and cyber fraud. The Court reiterated that awareness of the illicit origin of the sums received is fundamental to configuring criminal liability. This case underscores the importance of a careful evaluation of the circumstances and available evidence, as well as the need to clarify the distinctions between the various crimes related to fraud phenomena. In an increasingly complex legal context, legal practitioners must pay particular attention to these aspects to ensure the correct application of the law.