Former Italian Court of Auditors official Tommaso Miele investigated over Messina Strait bridge probe

Prosecutors in Rome have opened a criminal investigation into Tommaso Miele, former vice‑president of the Court of Auditors, on suspicion of corruption and breach of confidentiality linked to the Messina Strait bridge project. The inquiry alleges that Miele provided confidential information about a pending Court of Auditors decision to representatives of Stretto di Messina Spa in exchange for promises of a post‑retirement appointment, such as the presidency of the Antitrust authority.

The alleged quid‑pro‑quo involved lawyer Giacomo Francesco Saccomanno, a former board member of Stretto di Messina Spa, and entrepreneur Vincenzo Virgiglio, who are accused of approaching Miele and offering support for future public posts. Saccomanno, a former Lega commissioner in Calabria, has denied any wrongdoing, characterising the investigation as politically motivated and asserting that he never discussed the Court's opinion with Miele. He said he cooperated with authorities after a seizure of his electronic devices and intends to clear his name.