World · Europe · 5 hrs ago
Eight arrested in Italian earthquake rebuilding investigation
Italian financial police in Ancona arrested eight people in a rebuilding investigation linked to work after the 2016 earthquake.
The inquiry covers private rebuilding projects and public contracts issued by the Marche regional government, Erdis Marche and the University of Camerino.
Investigators allege fraud involving public rebuilding funds and say some subcontracted work went to people linked to organised crime groups from Calabria and Campania.
A separate line of inquiry concerns alleged corruption involving public officials and businesspeople.
In total, 51 people are under investigation, and a judge ordered five others to attend preliminary questioning.
Authorities have seized assets worth more than €57 million and are carrying out more than 50 searches across several Italian provinces.
The investigation is being coordinated by the district anti-mafia office, and further details were due to be given at a press conference in Ancona.
Italian authorities have arrested eight people in an investigation into earthquake reconstruction contracts and public tenders.
A total of 51 people are under investigation, and assets worth more than €57 million have been seized.
The investigation concerns private rebuilding after the 2016 earthquake and contracts issued by the Marche Region, Erdis Marche and the University of Camerino.
Investigators are examining alleged aggravated fraud, corruption and links to organized crime.
More than 50 searches are under way across several Italian provinces.
- Who
- The Guardia di Finanza in Ancona is conducting the investigation, coordinated by the district anti-mafia directorate. Eight people were ordered held in prison and 51 are under investigation.
- What
- An investigation into alleged wrongdoing in earthquake reconstruction work and public tenders has led to eight arrests and seizures of assets worth more than €57 million.
- When
- The operation was reported on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- The investigation centers on Marche and includes searches in provinces across Italy.
- Why
- Investigators allege aggravated fraud involving public funds, corruption and subcontracting links to organized crime.
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- Arrests
- 8 people ordered held in prison
- People under investigation
- 51
- Assets seized
- More than €57 million
- Searches
- More than 50
- Earthquake
- 2016
- Public authorities named
- Marche Region, Erdis Marche and University of Camerino
3 sources
Ricostruzione post terremoto, 8 arresti e 51 indagati: sequestrati beni per oltre 57 milioni di euro
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Sisma 2016, 'ndrangheta e camorra negli appalti per la ricostruzione: ad Ancona 8 arresti, 51 indagati, sequestrati 57 milioni