Italian authorities on Friday seized $1.5 billion in assets from Lagfin, the company that controls spirits group Campari, over tax evasion allegations.

In a Friday press release, Lagfin said the “precautionary seizure” is “connected to a tax dispute that started approximately two years ago and has never involved Campari Group in any manner whatsoever.” The company did not provide further comment to Newsweek.

Newsweek filled out a Campari contact form on Saturday.

Why It Matters

The grand public seizure signals the Italian police are taking the investigation into Lagfin seriously. Lagfin holds more than 50 percent of Campari shares and 80 percent of the voting rights of Campari, according to its website, making it the controlling shareholder. The company says the asset seizure is “a

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