Italy: EPPO targets suspected criminal association in public contract corruption scheme

(Luxembourg, 14 October 2026) – At the request of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Palermo (Italy), a judge has ordered precautionary measures against seven individuals suspected of participating in a criminal association involved in corruption and the steering of public contracts in Syracuse, including an EU-funded project to expand accommodation for seasonal agricultural workers in Cassibile (Sicily).

The measures, issued on 12 October by the judge for preliminary investigations at the Court of Syracuse, include pre-trial detention for a Carabinieri officer, house arrest for a local political figure and a construction entrepreneur, and a 12-month ban on carrying out business activities involving applications for EU or national funding for four other individuals. The judge has also summoned another suspect, a municipal public official, for questioning before deciding on the requested precautionary measure.

The investigation, conducted under the direction of the EPPO by the Italian State Police’s General Investigations and Special Operations Division (Polizia di Stato - D.I.G.O.S.) in Syracuse, concerns a suspected criminal association involving public officials, a Carabinieri officer and construction entrepreneurs. The group allegedly steered public contracts towards favoured companies in exchange for bribes and political support since 2023.

The EU-funded project under investigation concerns the expansion of a hostel for seasonal agricultural workers, intended to address accommodation needs and combat labour exploitation. The Municipality of Syracuse received approximately €1.67 million for the project under Italy’s National Operational Programme “Legality” 2014–2020, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).

According to the investigation, public contracts were allegedly split artificially, required guarantees and documentation were missing, and payments were made despite an expired certificate confirming compliance with social security obligations. 

The evidence suggests that the scheme involved cash payments to public officials and other individuals, including a €10 000 payment to the local political figure and regular payments to the Carabinieri officer in connection with public works contracts. In a separate suspected influence-trading arrangement, intermediaries were allegedly promised 7% of the value of contracts obtained, plus €5 000. The investigation also concerns alleged payments to secure electoral support, including promises of jobs at a municipal waste-services company in exchange for votes.

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.