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Palermo Prosecutors Indict Ten Over €130M Healthcare Tender Scheme

Prosecutor Maurizio de Lucia's probe uncovered a criminal network shaping tender specifications in exchange for bribes disguised as consultancy fees

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Overview

  • The Procura di Palermo has accused ten individuals of orchestrating rigged healthcare tenders valued at €130 million
  • Investigators allege the network manipulated bid criteria by providing confidential documents to favored companies and designing bespoke specifications
  • Public officials are accused of inserting trusted associates into awarding committees to ensure predetermined outcomes
  • Bribes were reportedly paid or promised, sometimes disguised as consultancy fees or guaranteed family hires, linked to the value of the contracts
  • The Guardia di Finanza has executed measures including house arrests and travel restrictions and the broader probe by de Lucia remains ongoing