Cosenza Province under investigation for organized crime links

An investigation by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) of Catanzaro has uncovered potential links between organized crime and the management of the Province of Cosenza and the Municipality of San Giovanni in Fiore.

The probe focuses on money laundering involving Ambrogio & Succurro SpA and irregularities in provincial real estate and construction sectors. Key findings include the Province's purchase of the former Lucanto hotel in Lorica for 710,000 euros, despite a reported real value of only 200,000 euros. Additionally, a 100-million-euro energy efficiency project was awarded to the Consorzio Italia Servizi, led by Antonio Colasante.

The investigation also extends to the purchase of the Cetraro Carabinieri barracks. The Province acquired the property from Ottagono srl for 1.126 million euros, despite the company being heavily in debt and subject to judicial foreclosure proceedings. The Province had previously unsuccessfully requested the Court of Paola to halt the foreclosure process.