An investigation by the Rome prosecutor’s office is revealing a well-conceived corruption scheme centered on an entrepreneur who sought to obtain million-dollar contracts for the maintenance of the capital’s roads. The tenders, with a total value of 100 million euros, allegedly involved the distribution of bribes and other benefits to compliant public officials. Recent searches have led to the acquisition of a wide range of documents, including at the offices of the Department of Public Works of the Municipality of Rome and Azienda Strade Lazio Spa (Astral). The situation has turned the spotlight on the funds earmarked for the Jubilee and on alleged irregularities in procurement procedures.
The Capitol has confirmed that, following an internal investigation, contracts were awarded through legal procedures, including some interventions related to the Jubilee. Now, all information will be shared with the Guardia di Finanza and the Prosecutor’s Office. Under the direction of Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, checks have been initiated on the interventions of the companies involved. Currently, there are five public officials under investigation, including municipal officials and two Highway Police officers. The investigation has led to serious charges such as criminal association, bid-rigging, fraud in public supplies and money laundering.
According to the prosecution, Mirko Pellegrini, 46, is the main architect of the illegal operation. He manages a network of companies aimed at obtaining contracts for road resurfacing through fraudulent practices. In particular, it is reported that Pellegrini would have reduced the materials used in the projects compared to what was foreseen in the contracts.
The investigation is still in its early stages and concerns around forty contracts awarded in the last two years. Among the projects under examination there could also be a tender for works related to the Ryder Cup golf, with an expected value of almost €5 million. The Prosecutor’s Office mentioned that there are “facts still in progress,” suggesting that the illicit activities are far from over. With careful monitoring by the competent authorities and the establishment of technical commissions to verify public interventions, the future of road contracts in Rome could be subject to significant transformations.
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