An investigation by the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office has revealed a complex system of corruption linked to contracts for the maintenance of the capital’s roads. The heart of the operation revolves around an entrepreneur who, in order to win contracts worth 100 million euros, allegedly gave bribes and luxury goods to compliant public officials.
The prosecutor’s office has launched a series of searches, culminating in the acquisition of a large number of documents, including at the Department of Public Works of the Municipality of Rome and Astral, the road company of Lazio. These investigations highlight potential irregularities in the funds allocated to the Jubilee and in the tenders. The Campidoglio has confirmed that, according to the initial findings of an internal investigation, the contracts were made in accordance with legislative procedures. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has ordered checks on the work carried out by the companies involved, establishing a technical inspection commission to ensure the correctness of the works. So far, five public officials have been entered in the register of suspects, including officials of the Capitoline administration and agents of the Highway Police. The charges include criminal association, bid rigging and fraud in public supplies.
Entrepreneur Mirko Pellegrini, 46, is accused of leading a criminal organization aimed at the illegal awarding of contracts for the resurfacing of the road. According to investigators, Pellegrini allegedly used deceptive methods to reduce the amount of material used in the work, thus violating contractual obligations. The investigation focuses on approximately forty contracts awarded in the last two years. Among these is a tender for work related to the Ryder Cup golf tournament, with a starting bid of almost €5 million. The Prosecutor’s Office has stressed that some of the alleged crimes are still ongoing, suggesting that illicit activities could continue to manifest themselves.
As investigations continue, this scandal raises questions about the future of public procurement in Rome. The situation highlights the urgent need for more robust reforms to fight corruption and ensure transparency in procurement procedures. In a context where public funds are increasingly under scrutiny, it will be essential to closely monitor the evolution of the investigation and the measures taken by the Capitoline administration to restore citizens' trust.
Searches in the Capitol: The Guardia di Finanza in the crosshairs of corruption The Guardia di Finanza has today launched a series of searches that also involve the Campidoglio, in relation to an operation by the Rome Prosecutor’s Office.
Trump’s Tariff Plans: A Day-One Agenda Against Drug and Human Trafficking In a bold move to combat drug and human smuggling, President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose significant tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately after his inauguration on January 20.