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In Italy, a "pignoramento presso terzi" (third-party seizure) allows creditors to recover debts by freezing and seizing funds held by third parties, such as banks. This process is a common method for enforcing monetary judgements.

The procedure is outlined in the Codice di Procedura Civile (Civil Procedure Code) and the Tax Collection Code, which detail the steps for initiating and executing an account seizure.

Seizure orders are served to banks by judicial officers or courts, ensuring that the process adheres to legal standards. Orders can be initiated by:

• Tax authorities: the Agenzia delle Entrate-Riscossione can initiate seizures for unpaid taxes
• Courts: judicial bodies can order seizures as part of enforcement proceedings
• Private creditors: after obtaining an enforceable title, private creditors can request seizures, which are enforced by a judicial officer (ufficiale giudiziario)

If your account has been frozen due to a seizure, we won’t be able to restore access to your funds until we receive a formal release instruction from the authority that issued the order. This may include the tax authority (Agenzia delle Entrate), a court, or a judicial officer.

In the email we sent you to notify you of the seizure order, check the contact details for the authority that issued the order and contact them directly. Once the authority confirms the unfreezing of your account, we’ll take the necessary steps to restore your access to the funds.

If your account is subject to a seizure and you receive income — such as a salary, pension, or social benefits — into this account, a portion of your balance will remain available to you each month. This is a legally protected amount designed to ensure you can still cover essential living expenses.

It is recommended to consult with the relevant authority or seek legal advice to understand the protections applicable to your situation.