Calabria healthcare investigation: 35 people face trial over rigged tenders

The Catanzaro Prosecutor's Office has requested the indictment of 35 individuals and two companies as part of the ‘Sartoria’ investigation into alleged corruption within the Calabria healthcare system. The investigation, conducted by the Guardia di Finanza, focuses on nine public tenders with a combined value exceeding 33 million euros.

Prosecutors allege that public officials conspired with healthcare suppliers to ‘tailor’ tender documents and specifications to favor specific companies. The entities involved in the procurement processes include the Calabria Region's central purchasing station, the Magna Graecia University, and hospital structures such as Mater Domini and Pugliese-Ciaccio.

Charges include corruption, extortion, fraud against the State, ideological falsehood, and unauthorized access to computer systems. The probe also extends to irregularities in public competitions, technical function incentives, and the improper receipt of medical exclusivity allowances. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 21, where a judge will decide whether to proceed to trial. All suspects maintain the presumption of innocence.