Catanzaro prosecutors seek trial for 22 individuals in hospital corruption probe

Prosecutors in Catanzaro have requested the indictment of 22 individuals and two companies following an investigation into illegal private medical practices at the Renato Dulbecco University Hospital, formerly known as Pugliese-Ciaccio.

The investigation alleges the existence of a parallel system designed to bypass official intramural professional activity channels. According to the prosecution, medical professionals, nurses, administrators, and business owners allegedly organized private visits and services outside of official procedures. Patients reportedly paid for these services directly to staff, often in cash, to avoid leaving a paper trail and to prevent the hospital from receiving its required share of the revenue.

The charges include conspiracy, fraud against the state, embezzlement, money laundering, tax crimes, and unauthorized access to computer systems. The suspects include doctors from various specialties, such as cardiology, neurosurgery, and gastroenterology. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 3, 2026.