ROME-- The well-known restaurant “Assunta Madre” on Via Giulia, in the heart of the historic centre, was repossessed on Monday following money-laundering allegations. Seven staff members were arrested, including the owner, Johnny Micalusi, a bank manager and businessman.

 The Rapid Response Team and the Finance Police in Rome, after their preliminary investigations on the case, obtained an arrest warrant, implicating the seven people for money laundering, and self-laundering with money from illicit origins.

 According to the public prosecutor, Johnny Micalusi put the restaurant “Assunta Madre” and Lazio equestrian centre in the names of his sons, Francesco and Lorenzo, to hide the money from the investigators.

 “Assunta Madre” is a restaurant well-known for its fish dishes high prices, frequented by football players, politicians and actors.

 52-year-old Johnny Micalusi was investigated for money-laundering in 2014. 

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