Alberto Franca dismissed from Ast di Fermo amid investigation

Alberto Franca, the 63-year-old former socio-sanitary director of Ast di Fermo, has been dismissed from his position following an investigation known as Operation Ricostruzione. The investigation, coordinated by the Ancona District Anti-Mafia Directorate, examines alleged illicit systems regarding private post-earthquake reconstruction contracts and public tenders involving regional and university entities.

Franca is under investigation for the suspected disclosure of official secrets, allegedly aimed at providing information to entrepreneurs to facilitate the winning of healthcare tenders and service contracts. The dismissal was ordered by Director General Roberto Grinta, citing a breakdown in the fiduciary relationship.

Franca’s legal counsel, Igor Giostra, has announced an appeal against the decision. The defense maintains that Franca is entirely unrelated to the allegations and criticizes the dismissal process, noting that there were no preliminary inquiries, requests for clarification, or judicial orders mandating the termination of his employment.