Italian financial police have executed a major asset seizure operation in the Florence region, confiscating properties, artworks, and financial holdings valued at approximately €20 million ($23 million). The action stems from an extensive investigation into the alleged financial exploitation of iconic Bond actress Ursula Andress by her former financial advisers.
The case originated when the 90-year-old Swiss-born actress reported to Swiss authorities that she had been systematically defrauded of her wealth over an eight-year period. Andress disclosed to Swiss publication Blick in January that she lost approximately 18 million Swiss francs (equivalent to €20 million) through what she described as calculated manipulation and exploitation of her trust.
According to Italian investigative units, the misappropriated funds were strategically funneled through foreign corporate entities before being invested in substantial Italian assets. The seized properties include 11 real estate holdings, 14 agricultural plots dedicated to vineyards and olive groves throughout Tuscany, alongside valuable art collections and diverse financial instruments.
Andress, who achieved global recognition as Honey Ryder in the 1962 James Bond film ‘Dr. No’ with her iconic emergence from the Caribbean waters, expressed profound distress regarding the betrayal. The actress recounted being specifically targeted due to her age and vulnerability, describing eight years of calculated courtship followed by systematic financial exploitation.
The investigation continues to trace the complex financial pathways employed to conceal the origin of the stolen funds. Authorities have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the case, noting that the primary financial adviser implicated by Andress has since passed away.
Andress’s distinguished career spanned Hollywood productions alongside Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra before she transitioned to European cinema, ultimately retiring in the early 2000s. The current proceedings represent a significant international effort to recover assets allegedly obtained through financial misconduct against the aging screen legend.