Corruption in Italy: 38 investigations and 386 suspects in first five months of 2026
In the first half of the year, Italian prosecutors' offices have opened 38 files on corruption and extortion, with 386 people under investigation across ten different regions.
Corruption in Italy: 38 investigations and 386 suspects in first five months of 2026
In the first five months of the current year, prosecutors' offices across the country have initiated 38 criminal proceedings for corruption and extortion offences, involving 386 people in as many investigations. This has been highlighted by the association Libera, which has monitored judicial activity across ten regions.
The ranking by number of suspects sees Sicily in first place, with 107 people involved in nine proceedings managed by three investigating authorities. In second place is Lazio, with 85 suspects and nine investigations, followed by Campania. In Puglia there are 48 suspects, with a notable fact: seven of them are political figures, the highest number among the regions examined.
The offences ascertained span multiple sectors. There are bribes to obtain false residence documents useful for obtaining citizenship by descent, or for forged death certificates. Other cases concern rigged public tenders in the healthcare sector, waste collection, public construction, the issuing of building permits and the management of school canteens. There are also instances of academic competition fraud, exchanges of electoral favours and investigations into major infrastructure projects with mafia connections.
The organisation founded by Don Luigi Ciotti has announced a week of mobilisation from 9 to 13 June, called "Eyes open on corruption". Initiatives in public squares, sit-ins and public debates are planned in various cities to urge more controls, clarity and responsibility from institutions.
Widening the observation period to the last eighteen months, the total number of suspects rises to 1,507, including 71 political figures. During the awareness week, Libera will also promote actions linked to requests for access to public documents, coinciding with the tenth anniversary of the approval of the Freedom of Information Act.
Source: Il Fatto Quotidiano
Source: Il Fatto Quotidiano - Cronaca