[REVISION HISTORY]

Italian investigation into fraudulent medical certificates

7 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-06 06:58 UTC → 2026-10-14 15:26 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Ravenna Public Prosecutor's Office has expanded its investigation into a suspected coordinated network of medical professionals accused of issuing false health certificates. These documents were allegedly used to prevent irregular migrants from being transferred to or detained in Repatriation Centers (CPR). Following an initial phase involving eight doctors from the Infectious Diseases unit at Ravenna Hospital, authorities have conducted searches across multiple Italian cities. The investigation now targets 23 doctors, including 21 infectious disease specialists and two psychiatrists. Prosecutors are examining evidence, including chat logs, which suggest a “mapping” of certificates and the sharing of templates used to facilitate non-suitability reports between 2024 and 2026. Recent developments have ~~specifically~~ identified infectious disease specialist Nicola Cocco as a subject of investigation for allegedly coordinating the network. During the probe, digital communications were seized from Cocco’s mobile device, which contained messages from political figures including Senator Ilaria Cucchi and AVS Deputy Francesca Ghirra. Ghirra has stated she has “nothing to hide” but has raised concerns regarding parliamentary immunity and constitutional requirements for accessing a deputy's communications. Investigators have also identified a group known as ‘NoCprSalute,’ which they believe may have functioned as a network for distributing information or materials to doctors participating in the campaign against migrant repatriation. While defense specialists argue the certificates are based on legitimate scientific concerns regarding health risks in CPR facilities, civil rights groups like Antigone have warned that the scrutiny could “compromise medical independence.” immunity. In response to the ~~investigation, Italian~~ probe, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi announced that the Ministry of the Interior (Viminale) is working to revise regulations regarding medical assessments for individuals admitted to ~~Repatriation Centers.~~ CPRs. Piantedosi stated it is unacceptable for health procedures to be used to “vanish the decisions of the State” through “illegal ~~obstructionism.”~~ obstructionism,” adding that professionals engaging in “political militancy” rather than medical care will be held accountable. In a recent legal development, the Italian Court of Cassation annulled the professional suspension of three infectious disease specialists—Anastasia Zoffoli, Elisa Vanino, and Marta Zatti—from the Santa Maria delle Croci hospital.

Versions

Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.