Messina Strait Bridge project under corruption investigation by Rome prosecutors

The Rome Public Prosecutor's Office has opened a corruption investigation into three individuals linked to the Messina Strait Bridge project. The suspects are former senior judge of the Court of Auditors Tommaso Miele, lawyer Giacomo Francesco Saccomanno (former board member of Stretto di Messina SpA) and entrepreneur Vincenzo Virgilio. Prosecutors allege they tried to influence the Court of Auditors' opinion on the bridge by offering Miele support for future public‑sector appointments after his retirement, and by attempting to approach two additional magistrates, without success.

Searches were carried out in Rome, Reggio Calabria and Frosinone, resulting in the seizure of electronic devices and documents. Charges include active corruption, corruption by a public official, and disclosure and use of official secrets. Saccomanno denied any wrongdoing, stating, “Non ho nessun timore, non ho fatto assolutamente nulla.” The company's chief executive, Pietro Ciucci, said the firm is “totally unrelated” and will cooperate with authorities.

The bridge, estimated at over €23 billion, is promoted as a major driver for Italy’s economy, potentially creating up to 30 000 direct jobs and up to 120 000 jobs in total during its construction. The government has reiterated that the project will continue despite the probe, while opposition parties call for a halt and question the project's transparency and feasibility.