IACC in Rome: Strengthening Partnerships from the GdF to the Vatican

 

IACC President Bob Barchiesi and Vice President Mike Walsh recently traveled to Rome, Italy during the week of September 22, 2025 to meet with senior leadership of the Guardia di Finanza (GdF) and advance discussions on continued collaboration to protect intellectual property rights. The IACC’s partnership with the GdF dates back to 2015, when the two organizations held their first joint training. During this visit, Bob and Mike met with General Bruno Buratti, second-in-command of the Guardia di Finanza, to explore new ways to strengthen enforcement cooperation.

The IACC’s engagement in Italy extends beyond the Guardia di Finanza, having also met in previous years with the Carabinieri to discuss shared priorities in IP enforcement. Over the years, the IACC has also cultivated strong relationships with the Polizia di Stato (Italian State Police). Bob has spoken at events at the Vatican addressing IP crime and human trafficking. Law enforcement connections from those events have only deepened in recent years. During this trip, Bob and Mike were invited as special guests to the Papal General Audience in St. Peter’s Square during Pope Leo XIV’s appearance in the square on September 24.

These meetings and extraordinary invitations underscore the IACC’s reputation as a trusted partner to law enforcement agencies worldwide. The organization’s continued engagement with Italian authorities reflects its global leadership and commitment to fostering cooperation in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy.