The Rome Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into corruption and disclosure of official secrets in connection with the Messina Strait Bridge project . The investigation focuses on alleged conduct aimed at influencing the Court of Auditors' review of the final project's legitimacy. The investigation, coordinated by the Rome Judicial Office, has led to the execution of personal, home, and computer searches of three individuals.
Three suspects and searches by the ROS
The activities were delegated to the Carabinieri of the ROS (Special Operations Unit) , who executed a search warrant against a 71-year-old lawyer from the province of Reggio Calabria, a former board member of the company Stretto di Messina Spa , a 65-year-old entrepreneur from Reggio Calabria residing in Rome, and a 70-year-old former deputy president of the Court of Auditors, retired since February 2026. The three are under investigation, jointly, for corruption in the exercise of their duties, corruption in an act contrary to official duties, active corruption by a public official, and disclosure and use of official secrets.
The investigators' hypothesis
According to the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office's statement, the investigations allegedly documented conduct intended to influence the Court of Auditors' review of the final design for the Strait of Messina Bridge. Specifically, the lawyer and the businessman allegedly approached the accounting judge with the aim of obtaining favorable treatment for the company Stretto di Messina Spa, promising their support for future appointments to public law entities after his retirement. According to the prosecution's allegations, this promise was conditional on his concrete action to achieve the desired outcome.
Don't miss the latest news from La Milano: Add us to your favorite sources on Google in just one click.
Alleged contacts with other magistrates
Investigators also contest the attempt to approach other magistrates deemed useful to the group's interests in connection with the construction of the infrastructure project. According to the Prosecutor's Office, the lawyer and the entrepreneur also disclosed to third parties information covered by professional secrecy, acquired through the Court of Auditors judge under investigation. The case occurs at a delicate stage in the administrative and institutional process of the project, already at the center of public and political debate due to its strategic importance and the technical, financial, and procedural considerations associated with its implementation.
The accusations against the accounting judge
According to the prosecution's line of reasoning, the accounting magistrate allegedly offered his availability, providing constant updates on the progress of the proceedings conducted by the Court of Auditors. He also allegedly disclosed confidential information on the views of his fellow accounting magistrates and on the progress of the Chamber of Council in the plenary session of the Court itself. Investigators also question his alleged role after the unfavorable decision of October 29, 2025, which he allegedly reviewed and committed to preparing, on behalf of Stretto di Messina Spa, a report on the matter to be submitted to the company's accountant.
Aspirations for public office
According to the Prosecutor's Office's reconstruction, the accounting judge allegedly expressed interest in obtaining high-profile positions, including the presidency of the Antitrust Authority or of a subsidiary, in exchange for his availability. These are elements still being examined by investigators and will need to be verified during further investigations.
Documents and electronic devices seized
During the searches, conducted in Rome, the provinces of Reggio Calabria, and Frosinone, the Carabinieri of the ROS (Special Operations Unit) seized several electronic devices and documents. The material acquired will be subjected to specific evaluations and technical analyses to determine its evidentiary relevance to the charges raised by the Prosecutor's Office. The computer and documentary investigations will now represent a key step in reconstructing contacts, communications, and the possible circulation of confidential information relating to the project's progress.
The case reignites the debate on the work
The investigation has reignited political debate over the Strait of Messina Bridge, a project that has been the focus of discussion, controversy, and institutional scrutiny for years. Nicola Fratoianni, a member of the Alliance of the Greens and the Left, speaking on La7, called the initial reports "sensational," while urging caution while awaiting judicial developments. According to Fratoianni, if the allegations were confirmed, the case would reinforce the criticisms already voiced by AVS regarding a project deemed "useless and costly" and, in his view, exposed to the risk of illicit interests. The matter now remains under judicial scrutiny.
Reproduction reserved © Copyright La Milano
