# Labor fraud and illegal employment in Calabria

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/labor-fraud-and-illegal-employment-in-calabria
> Updated: 2026-09-16T11:12:53.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Calabria have conducted investigations and inspections targeting fraudulent and illegal employment practices across various sectors.

An investigation known as ‘Operation Master,’ coordinated by the DDA of Catanzaro, uncovered a scheme in the Sibaritide region involving criminal associations and shell companies. This system reportedly used falsified documents and intermediaries to facilitate fake hiring, charging approximately 1,500 euros per application for paper-only employment relationships.

In a separate enforcement action under the ‘Alto Impatto’ surveillance program, labor inspectors in Reggio Calabria targeted the agriculture, construction, and public service sectors. These inspections resulted in the suspension of several businesses and various fines for employing workers without valid contracts, as well as violations regarding workplace health and safety standards.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: Reggio Calabria labor inspectors suspend businesses for illegal employment

Labor inspectors in Reggio Calabria suspended several businesses in the agriculture, construction, and food sectors following discoveries of illegal labor and health and safety violations.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/reggio-calabria-labor-inspectors-suspend-businesses-for-illegal-employment

### 2026-09-08: Calabria investigation reveals fraudulent hiring scheme

Authorities in Calabria have uncovered a fraudulent hiring scheme involving shell companies and criminal associations that charged 1,500 euros per fake employment application.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calabria-investigation-reveals-fraudulent-hiring-scheme

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Cite as: Labor fraud and illegal employment in Calabria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/labor-fraud-and-illegal-employment-in-calabria