Syracuse public contract corruption investigation

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has launched the Nexus investigation into an alleged corruption network involving public contracts in Syracuse, Italy. The probe focuses on the misuse of approximately 1.67 million euros in EU funds intended for the construction and expansion of a migrant workers’ hostel in Cassibile.

Initial reports indicate that authorities executed seven precautionary measures against suspects including a Carabinieri officer, a municipal technician, a former city council vice president, and several entrepreneurs. Charges involve corruption, illicit influence peddling, electoral corruption, and the disclosure of official secrets. Investigators reportedly found a ‘pizzino’ containing a list of ‘friendly’ companies designed to influence the awarding of future contracts.

Subsequent details of the investigation reveal specific allegations of a liaison role played by Salvatore Luca Strazzulla, a carabiniere, between former City Council Vice President Concetta Carbone and the Boscarino family of entrepreneurs. It is alleged that direct award procedures were misused to secure contracts worth hundreds of thousands of euros. The investigation also names Syracuse Mayor Francesco Italia as being under investigation for criminal association and bid-rigging, alongside allegations of monthly payments made to municipal engineer Michele Dell’Aira.