Topics Covered
A large-scale operation
The recent operation conducted by the Udine Flying Squad led to the arrest of 19 Georgian caregivers, accused of possessing false documents. This action, which involved agents in various Italian regions, led to 52 searches in various provinces, revealing a worrying phenomenon linked to the illegal stay of foreigners in our country.
The investigations were launched following reports received by the territorial offices of the Revenue Agency, which had noticed an anomalous flow of Georgian women presenting themselves as EU citizens. These women exhibited identity documents valid for expatriation, coming from European Union member states, such as Slovakia, Poland and Lithuania.
False Documents and Access to Work
By presenting these documents, the carers were able to obtain the EU tax code, which was necessary to access the labour market, particularly in the domestic care sector. This system allowed them to enjoy legal, fiscal and health benefits, bypassing Italian regulations regarding the entry and residence of non-EU citizens.
The investigations revealed that these women moved easily between Italian provinces, finding work without difficulty. The searches took place in provinces such as Udine, Venice, Bolzano, Pistoia, Florence, Turin, Lecce, Latina, Varese, Belluno and Prato, where 36 false community documents and the same number of tax codes were seized.
Legal consequences and ongoing investigations
At the end of the operations, six women were arrested in Pordenone, four in Venice, three in Bolzano, and others in various provinces. The main charge is possession and manufacturing of false identification documents. In addition, 17 other women were reported at large for the same crime. The investigations of the Immigration Offices revealed that all the reported foreigners, if they do not have a regular residence permit, will be expelled from Italian territory.
The investigations do not stop there: investigators hypothesize the existence of a well-structured organization, capable of manufacturing false documents abroad and delivering them to buyers quickly, in exchange for a payment of around 600 euros. This scenario highlights not only the vulnerability of the women involved, but also the gaps in the immigration control system in Italy.