Original Bond Girl Ursula Andress Was the Victim of a $23 Million Theft — Now $20 Million of Her Assets Have Been Recovered

Italian authorities have recently seized assets valued at approximately €20 million (£17 million) that are allegedly linked to Swiss actress Ursula Andress, best known for her iconic role as Honey Ryder in the classic James Bond film, Dr. No (1962). The seizure, which occurred on 26 March, was carried out by the Italian finance police, Guardia di Finanza, in relation to a criminal complaint Andress filed against the estate of her late wealth manager, Eric Freymond.

In January earlier this year, Andress made headlines by alleging that she had been defrauded of 18 million Swiss Francs (around £15 million) by Freymond. The complaint suggested that the wealth manager had orchestrated a scheme involving international money laundering. According to Andress, Freymond used her assets to purchase a grand villa known as Palazzo al Bosco, situated in Tuscany, which is renowned for its extensive art collection.

The estate of Freymond, who passed away in July 2025 in what appeared to be a suicide, has not yet responded publicly to these serious accusations. Freymond had previously denied claims of financial misconduct, asserting that he had not misused funds belonging to any of his clients. As of now, it remains uncertain whether any arrests have been made in connection with the investigation.

In an interview with Blick, a Swiss publication, the 90-year-old actress expressed her distress over the situation, revealing that she has been experiencing significant anxiety and feelings of betrayal. “This feeling of helplessness is unbearable – it’s killing me,” Andress stated. She detailed how she felt deliberately targeted, claiming that for eight years, she had been manipulated and deceived by those close to her, which ultimately led to the alleged theft of her hard-earned savings.

Andress articulated her frustration, saying, “I’ve worked hard and always saved my money. I hoped to spend my final years happily and peacefully. And now this happens – I’ve been disgustingly cheated!” Her emotional statement conveyed a strong desire for justice, as she hopes the individuals responsible will face the full consequences of their actions.

The actress’s concerns resonate with many who have experienced similar situations of financial exploitation and betrayal by trusted advisors. The gravity of her allegations has elicited widespread media attention, prompting discussions about the safeguards and accountability measures in place for the management of wealthy clients’ assets.

Andress’s career extends beyond her celebrated Bond role. She also appeared in notable films such as the James Bond parody Casino Royale, and shared the screen with legendary figures such as Elvis Presley in Fun in Acapulco and a star-studded cast, including Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, in 4 for Texas. Her contributions to cinema have left a lasting imprint, and the current legal battle adds a dramatic chapter to her storied life.

As the investigation proceeds, Andress’s case serves as a cautionary tale of the potential vulnerabilities faced by individuals in the realm of wealth management. The unfolding developments will undoubtedly be closely monitored, both by her fans and the broader public interested in matters of finance and celebrity.

While the situation remains complex with multiple facets, the focus now shifts to the progress of the authorities and whether justice can be served for those who find themselves in similar predicaments.