The Italian Ministry of the Interior stated that authorities have started a procedure to identify and prepare seized mafia properties for temporary refugee housing centres. The announcement was published in the midst of an increasing number of people fleeing Ukraine’s war.
“The National Agency for the administration and destination of assets seized and confiscated from organized crime has started the census of confiscated assets under management that can be quickly destined, even temporarily, to welcome refugees from Ukraine.”
Luciana Lamorgese, the Minister of the Interior
In the year 2020 alone, the Italian police seized 1.9 billion euros’ worth of assets from organized crime organisations in the nation, according to Statista. In terms of quantity, that was roughly 8,800 assets taken and 4,200 items destroyed.
The confiscated assets include properties and structures that are suitable for habitation and thus could be transformed into refugee housing facilities.
“With the collaboration of the prefectures the Agency directed by the Prefect Corda will also identify the properties transferred to the Municipalities but not yet used, suitable for use in the protection network put in place for to face the humanitarian emergency,” concluded the minister, underlining that “the commitment of the Ministry of the Interior is maximum to give concrete answers to those fleeing the theatre of war and above all to the most vulnerable people, such as women and children“.
Luciana Lamorgese, the Minister of the Interior
According to the Italian Ministry of the Interior, 17,286 Ukrainians, mostly women and children, have come to Italy since Russia began its military campaign on 24 February. Although the majority of these refugees have gone to stay with family and friends, there are reports of local and national efforts to provide housing for many.
“This is just the beginning. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are coming. We must rise to the occasion.”
Democrat leader Enrico Letta
