Naples-Bari High Speed Investigation: 20 precautionary measures for corruption and gangmastering

The Gdf of Naples has notified 20 personal precautionary measures (of which ten people were subjected to house arrest) against entrepreneurs and public officials as part of the investigations into the works for the construction of the Naples-Bari high-speed railway line. Corruption, gangmastering and issuing invoices for non-existent operations are the alleged crimes.

Irregular employment of workers

A system of corrupt relationships between entrepreneurs and public officials was discovered which facilitated companies in obtaining orders and carrying out the works. In exchange for favors they received money, luxury watches, telephones and holiday stays. During the investigations, non-EU citizens were also identified, especially of Egyptian origin, employed irregularly and exploited on construction sites, with work shifts of up to 20 hours.

The bribes hidden in the panettone given as Christmas gifts

At the request of Prosecutor Henry John Woodcoc, the investigating judge also ordered the preventive seizure of the profits from corruption crimes. According to the investigators, poor quality concrete was used for a stretch, a circumstance of extraordinary gravity for the investigating judge. The bribes hidden in the panettone given as Christmas gifts.