Probe relates to alleged corruption linked to Sicily bridge project.
The Rome prosecutor’s office is investigating three people for alleged corruption and alleged disclosure of official secrets linked to the contentious plan to build a suspension bridge across the Strait of Messina, connecting Sicily to Reggio Calabria on mainland Italy.
The inquiry, announced on Tuesday in a statement signed by chief prosecutor Francesco Lo Vo, marks another serious setback for a flagship infrastructure project backed by the government of prime minister Giorgia Meloni.
Three suspects
The Carabinieri’s special ROS unit has been tasked with carrying out searches regarding three suspects: a 70-year-old former deputy president of Italy’s Audit Court who retired in February; a 65-year-old businessman from Reggio Calabria, residing in Rome; and a 71-year-old lawyer from Reggio Calabria who was a former board member of the Stretto di Messina SpA company.
According to prosecutors, the retired judge – then sitting on the Court of Auditors that was assessing the bridge project – had provided support including confidential information to the businessman and the lawyer, in return for a promise of assistance in securing a lucrative public-sector retirement post.
The case concerns alleged attempts to influence the state auditors’ review of the final project for the construction of the bridge. Prosecutors have ordered searches of documents and electronic devices belonging to the suspects to gather further evidence.
Fresh hurdle
The government was subsequently forced to pass emergency legislation resetting the administrative pathway, appointing new commissioners and shifting €2.787 billion of earmarked funding from the 2026–2029 period to 2030–2034. Italy’s lower house approved that decree in May by 160 votes to 110.
Meloni’s government had hoped work on the project – intended to become the world’s longest suspension bridge – would start last year. Deputy premier and infrastructure minister Matteo Salvini has stated he remains confident construction will begin this year.
Reaction
Pietro Ciucci, head of the Stretto di Messina company overseeing the project, said he had learned of the investigation with “surprise”, and that the company was not involved.
The news drew immediate reaction from the opposition. Nicola Fratoianni of the Green-Left Alliance (AVS) described it as “an investigation is of unprecedented gravity”, while Angelo Bonelli – AVS MP and co-spokesperson for Europa Verde – called on the government to halt the project immediately.
“We want to know whether we’re dealing with a single episode or the risk of a broader corruption phenomenon” – Bonelli saod – “The €14 billion must be returned to Italians and allocated to the country’s true priorities: healthcare, schools, and pensions.”
The project, championed by late three-time premier Silvio Berlusconi, had been set aside for decades owing to its high cost, concerns about environmental impact, seismic risks and possible mafia infiltration – the first plans were drawn up over half a century ago.
It was revived by Salvini following the centre-right’s victory at the 2022 general election. The planned structure would span 3.7 kilometres and include 40 kilometres of road and rail links, three new railway stations and a business centre in Calabria.
