Corruption, searches at the Ministry of Defence, Terna and Rfi, 26 under investigation

Searches are underway by the Gdf at the Ministry of Defence, Rfi, Terna and Polo Strategico Nazionale as part of an investigation by the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office, a development of the one on Sogei, in which crimes of corruption, money laundering and self-laundering are alleged, in addition to bid rigging and trafficking in unlawful influence. At the centre of the investigation, coordinated by deputy Lorenzo Del Giudice, are alleged irregularities in IT contracts. A total of 26 people are under investigation. Defence generals, executives of public enterprises and entrepreneurs are also among the persons under investigation.

There are a total of 15 new suspects in the new investigation by the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office. The new strand would also involve Navy officer Antonio Angelo Masala, who was already involved in the main strand that led to the arrest, in October 2024, of former Sogei general manager Paolino Iorio. The manager was arrested while pocketing a EUR 15,000 bribe from a businessman. More than EUR 100,000 were found in his house during a search. Iorio plea-bargained a three-year prison sentence.

"With regard to the searches conducted by the Guardia di Finanza as part of an investigation by the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office, the Ministry of Defence has ensured full support and maximum cooperation since the start of the investigative activities begun in previous years. Any responsibilities ascertained,' reads a Defence note, 'will be pursued with the utmost severity, in accordance with the law and the prerogatives of the judicial authorities.