Former Ilva in Taranto: from benzene spikes to alleged fraud – house arrest sought for former CEO Morselli
The investigating judge has scheduled the preliminary hearings for 3 November. The charges relate to alleged pollution between 2019 and 2024, shortcomings in the maintenance of the facilities and irregularities concerning CO₂ quotas.
Key points
The Taranto Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested house arrest for Lucia Morselli, former chief executive of Acciaierie d’Italia; Alessandro Labile, former director of the former Ilva steelworks; and Francesco Astorri, head of ISPRA’s inspection unit. The investigation centres on the alleged pollution caused by emissions from the steelworks between 2019 and 2024, as well as alleged irregularities in the management of carbon dioxide and the associated emission allowances. The judge for preliminary investigations, Francesco Maccagnano, has scheduled the preliminary questioning of the three suspects for 3 November. There are 33 people on the list of suspects, including the former chairman of the board of directors, Franco Bernabè.
Former Ilva: allegations regarding emissions and plant maintenance
The investigation aims to establish who is responsible for the environmental management of the steelworks. According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, inadequate maintenance of the plant’s facilities is said to have caused emissions that were harmful to workers and members of the public. The allegations under investigation include criminal conspiracy to cause pollution, environmental disaster and fraud against the State. A second line of inquiry concerns alleged irregularities in the management of CO₂ emissions and the associated allowances.
From benzene spikes to the 2024 raids
The investigation has its roots in the inquiries into the benzene spikes recorded at the plant. As early as March 2024, Lucia Morselli had received notice that the investigation, launched following a complaint, had been extended. The following July, searches and seizures took place as part of the investigation into the alleged fraud against the State relating to carbon dioxide allowances.
Notices of investigation were then served on the former manager and other executives, consultants and employees of the steelworks. The investigation has now reached the investigating magistrate, with requests for house arrest for Morselli, Labile and Astorri, who are due to appear on 3 November for preliminary questioning.
For Morselli, another legal case remains open, separate from the Taranto investigation: the inquiry into fraudulent bankruptcy launched by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office following a report by the special administrators of the former Ilva.
