Italian authorities seize €57 million in earthquake reconstruction fraud probe

An investigation by the Ancona District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) and the Guardia di Finanza has led to the seizure of over €57 million in connection with the misappropriation of public funds intended for earthquake reconstruction in Central Italy.

The operation, dubbed ‘Ricostruzione’, follows the devastating seismic activity in the Apennines in 2016 and 2017. Authorities allege a complex network of fraud, public administration corruption, and infiltration by organized crime groups, specifically the ‘ndrangheta and the Casalesi clan of the Camorra.

Investigators identified a suspected link between local construction interests and criminal organizations, describing the reconstruction efforts as one of Europe’s largest public works sites. The crackdown included eight arrests and fifty searches as officials attempt to address the systemic looting of recovery funds.