Agrigento procurement corruption probe closes, 31 indicted
The Agrigento public prosecutor has issued notices of conclusion of preliminary investigations to between 24 and 31 individuals and eight companies suspected of running a criminal network that steered public contracts and regional funding to favoured firms. Key figures named include former regional assessor Roberto Di Mauro, architect Sebastiano Alesci, mayor Giuseppe Capizzi, entrepreneur Diego “Dino” Caramazza and technical director Vittorio Giarratana. The alleged scheme covered a €37 million water‑network contract for the municipality of Agrigento, a €1.6 million stadium renovation in Licata and a composting‑plant project in Ravanusa, among other works. Prosecutors allege association to commit crimes, corruption and fraud, and the notice of conclusion is a step before a possible request for indictment.
The investigation is part of a broader “appalti e mazzette” probe that has now closed its investigative phase, pending any further judicial action.
Entities: Agrigento · Agrigento Prosecutor's Office · Chinese e‑bike manufacturers · Diego “Dino” Caramazza · Giovanni Di Leo · Giuseppe Capizzi · Giuseppe Pendolino · Guardia di Finanza · Libero Consorzio · Palermian entrepreneur (unnamed) · Palermo · Palermo entrepreneur (unnamed)
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 7 SOURCES] A Palermo‑based entrepreneur and a company are under investigation for fraud in commerce and false public act. (belongs=true)
- [● 7 SOURCES] The seized vehicles were valued at roughly €5 million. (belongs=true)
- [● 7 SOURCES] Approximately 6,885 electric scooters were seized across Italy. (belongs=true)
- [● 7 SOURCES] The scooters were imported from China and marketed as e‑bikes despite exceeding legal power and speed limits. (belongs=true)
- [● 7 SOURCES] The seized scooters lacked CE marking and did not comply with EU Directive 2006/42/CE requirements for e‑bikes. (belongs=true)
- [● 7 SOURCES] The vehicles could be used on public roads without licence plates, insurance or registration. (belongs=true)
- [● 7 SOURCES] The seizure was ordered by the GIP of the Tribunal of Palmi and executed by the Guardia di Finanza of Palermo with regional units. (belongs=true)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Other projects under investigation include a €1.6 million renovation of the municipal stadium in Licata and a composting‑plant scheme in Ravanusa. (belongs)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation alleges the group attempted to influence the election of Libero Consorzio president Giuseppe Pendolino. (belongs)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Agrigento prosecutor notified the conclusion of preliminary investigations to 24 people and 8 companies. (belongs)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The prosecutor leading the case is Giovanni Di Leo. (belongs)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Among the accused are former regional assessor Roberto Di Mauro, architect Sebastiano Alesci, mayor Giuseppe Capizzi, entrepreneur Diego “Dino” Caramazza, technical director Vittorio Giarratana and Lu (belongs)