Italy: €1.1 million seized in fraud and corruption probe involving police officer and public officials

Rome: On behalf of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Naples (Italy), the Italian Carabinieri Tuesday seized assets of up to €1.1 million, in an investigation into agricultural funding fraud and corruption involving public officials and a police officer.

The seizure was executed in the province of Salerno against 14 individuals, of a total of 39 suspects under investigation, by the Provincial Command of the Carabinieri of Naples (EPPO unit). Searches were also carried out at the homes and company premises of the suspects, in order to obtain evidence, including mobile phones, computers and documents.

The investigation, carried out between 2022 and 2024, revealed the existence of a criminal association which, according to the findings, operated with the aid of public officials in the Campania region, as well as a member of law enforcement. The criminal group was further enabled by the assistance of accountants.

Based on the evidence, the suspects requested funds from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) using false information, in collusion with officials from the Campania region, which allowed them to illicitly obtain substantial amounts. Corruption is also under investigation, as public officials were allegedly promised a percentage of the funds.

In addition, the inquiry exposed a member of the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza) at the service of the criminal gang, responsible for reporting any investigations into the fraud and to mislead investigators.

All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in the competent Italian courts of law.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (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.