€3.67m EU-funded landfill project raided in Italy corruption investigation
On behalf of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Naples (Italy), the Investigative Unit of the Carabinieri Provincial Command of Benevento carried out searches today in an investigation into suspected corruption linked to an EU-funded public works project.
The investigation concerns a contract worth €3.67 million for the permanent safety works of the former landfill site in Piano Borea, in the municipality of Benevento, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
According to the investigation, several individuals, including public officials, experts and company representatives, are suspected of having participated in a corruption scheme linked to the award and execution of the contract. The evidence gathered indicates that company representatives allegedly provided undue advantages to public officials and other individuals involved in the project in exchange for favourable treatment during the management of the contract.
Investigators suspect that the undue benefits took the form of cash payments as well as construction works carried out on properties linked to some of the suspects or their relatives.
The EPPO investigation originated from information obtained during a separate criminal investigation conducted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Benevento. The evidence gathered subsequently led to the opening of an investigation into suspected offences affecting the financial interests of the EU.
The searches were carried out in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Benevento, which is conducting a parallel investigation into suspected corruption offences linked to contracts financed with national and regional funds.
All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Italian courts of law.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.
Head of Investigations
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