In a significant development in Florence, Italy, the financial police have impounded assets worth €20 million. This seizure is linked to a fraud case involving actress Ursula Andress, known for her role as the first Bond girl in the 1962 film ‘Dr. No’.

The investigation began after Andress reported to Swiss authorities that she had been defrauded of 18 million Swiss francs by her financial adviser. Allegations suggest that the assets seized were purchased with the money stolen from her.

On March 29, 2026, the financial police acted on the findings of the ongoing investigation, which revealed that the stolen funds were traced to various real estate properties and artworks in Tuscany.

Andress expressed her shock at the situation, stating, “I am still in shock,’’ and added, “They took advantage of my age.’’

In parallel, BFF Bank, which has been under scrutiny, appointed two extraordinary commissioners to oversee its restructuring following an audit by the Bank of Italy. This audit highlighted issues with BFF Bank’s factoring and lending activities.

As part of the fallout, BFF Bank’s CEO Massimiliano Belingheri resigned amid ongoing financial adjustments. Furthermore, Milan prosecutors have opened an investigation into alleged false accounting practices at the bank.

The current state of affairs indicates a complex intertwining of financial misconduct involving both Andress and BFF Bank, raising questions about the integrity of financial advisement and banking practices in Italy.

This sequence of events is significant not only for Andress, who is seeking justice for her financial losses, but also for the banking sector in Italy, which faces increased scrutiny and potential regulatory changes.

As investigations continue, the implications of these events could lead to broader reforms in financial oversight and consumer protection in Italy.