Italian Police Seize 20 Million Euros Linked to Embezzlement of Actress Ursula Andress

Italian financial police seized assets worth 20 million euros ($23.12 million) in Tuscany linked to the alleged embezzlement of the fortune of Swiss actress Ursula Andress, authorities announced on March 26, 2026. Investigators from the Guardia di Finanza and the public prosecutor's office in Florence identified and seized eleven properties and 14 plots of land in San Casciano Val di Pesa, a town near Florence in Tuscany. The plots had been used as vineyards and olive groves, and the seizure also encompassed works of art and other financial assets. Andress, 90, had reported the suspected theft earlier in 2026, alleging her former asset manager had diverted approximately 18 million Swiss francs — roughly 20 million euros — from her accounts. The Italian police did not name any suspects in connection with the seizure.

Andress first broke the story in Swiss press Andress made the situation public earlier in 2026 through the Swiss newspaper Blick, disclosing that she had noticed a drastic reduction in her assets. The actress, who has lived in Italy for a long time despite holding Swiss nationality, subsequently filed a formal complaint in Switzerland. Swiss authorities then coordinated with Italian counterparts as the investigation expanded across borders. According to Italian authorities, investigators uncovered what they described as a "systematic embezzlement of financial resources" targeting the actress. The funds had been diverted from her accounts and channeled into foreign companies, real estate purchases, and works of art before the trail led investigators to Italy.

Bond girl role made Andress a global icon in 1962 Ursula Andress was born on March 19, 1936, in Switzerland and rose to international fame through her role as Honey Ryder in the first James Bond film, "Dr. No," released in 1962 alongside Sean Connery. She later appeared as Vesper Lynd in the 1967 Bond parody "Casino Royale." Her emergence from the sea in a white bikini in "Dr. No" became one of cinema's most recognized images. Andress built a career spanning American, British, and Italian productions over several decades, making her a prominent figure in European and Hollywood cinema. At 90, she remains one of the last surviving stars of the original Bond film era. The alleged embezzlement, if confirmed, would represent a significant portion of her accumulated wealth. Her decision to speak publicly through Blick drew widespread attention to the case and, according to Italian authorities, helped accelerate the cross-border investigation.

No suspects named as investigation continues across two countries The San Casciano Val di Pesa properties and land plots represent the most concrete result of the investigation to date, with Italian police confirming the seizure but declining to identify any individuals formally implicated. The case involves parallel proceedings in Switzerland, where Andress filed her original complaint, and in Italy, where the assets were ultimately located. Authorities described the scheme as systematic, involving the deliberate routing of funds through foreign corporate structures and tangible assets such as real estate and art to obscure their origin. 20 (million euros) — total value of assets seized in Tuscany The seizure of 25 distinct pieces of real estate — eleven properties and 14 land plots — alongside artworks suggests investigators believe the diverted funds were converted into hard assets to prevent detection. The investigation remains active, and further developments are expected as prosecutors in Florence continue their work.