EditItalian prosecutors investigate three officials for corruption linked to the Messina Bridge project
Prosecutors believe the three suspects had entered into what they describe as a "mutual assistance pact"
Rome’s public prosecutor has opened an investigation for corruption and breach of official secrecy in connection with the construction project for the Messina Strait Bridge. Acting on the judiciary’s instructions, the Carabinieri’s special operations unit (ROS) carried out search and seizure operations across the provinces of Rome, Reggio Calabria and Frosinone.
The three suspects are Tommaso Miele, former deputy president of the Court of Auditors, who retired in February, Vincenzo Virgiglio, listed as head of external relations at the association “Accademia Calabria”, and Giacomo Francesco Saccomanno, a former member of the board of directors of “Stretto di Messina SPA”. Saccomanno served as regional commissioner of the Lega party in Calabria from 2021 to 2024. He had also previously worked as an expert consultant directly alongside Minister Matteo Salvini at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
The alleged scheme
According to prosecutors, the three men sought to influence the Court of Auditors’ legitimacy review of the final project approval for the Bridge. Saccomanno and Virgiglio allegedly approached Miele with promises of support in securing senior positions at public bodies or state-owned companies after his retirement. In return, the magistrate allegedly provided updates on internal Court proceedings, disclosing the positions expressed by fellow judges and details of plenary sessions of the Council Chamber.
Prosecutors believe the three had entered into what they describe as a “mutual assistance pact.” The alleged benefits included personal endorsements, invitations to events organised by “Accademia Calabria”, and lobbying on Miele’s behalf with third parties to support his professional ambitions after retirement. The alleged conduct is said to have taken place in Rome from the autumn of 2025.
The investigation centres on a specific moment in the approval process. According to the charges, Miele allegedly acted in favour of “Stretto di Messina SPA”, which had a direct interest in receiving a positive opinion from the Court of Auditors’ control division on the legitimacy review of CIPESS resolution no. 41/25, approving the Bridge’s final design with conditions and recommendations. That resolution had been rejected by the Court of Auditors on 29 October 2025. Following that unfavourable ruling, Miele allegedly committed to drafting a legal brief in the company’s interest to be handed to its accountant, in exchange for support in being appointed president of the Antitrust authority or of a state-owned company.
Wiretaps included in the case files make the alleged arrangement more explicit. In one phone call, Miele was recorded saying: “When I retire at the new year, I should become president of something, I’m not sure what yet… but they’ve asked if I’d be available… I’ve aimed high… I’m spoilt for choice, to tell you the truth… if a good endorsement comes their way… of course that works.”
Saccomanno and Virgiglio are also alleged to have approached other Court of Auditors magistrates, and to have passed on confidential information obtained through Miele to third parties.
The company distances itself
“Stretto di Messina SPA” has denied any involvement in the investigation. Chief executive Pietro Ciucci said the company received the news “with surprise”, reaffirming its total non-involvement and its full willingness to cooperate with investigators.
Saccomanno pushed back sharply against the charges. “This is a political construction – they want to target (Deputy Prime Minister and Lega leader Matteo) Salvini, the bridge and also poor Dr Miele,” he said, adding that the investigation was aimed at “preventing the realisation of an extraordinary project, fundamental to the growth of the South.”
Political reactions
The investigation prompted immediate responses from the opposition. Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra leader Angelo Bonelli described what had emerged as “of an unprecedented gravity”, noting that he had filed a sixth supplementary complaint with the Rome prosecutor over the government’s procedures, which he argued violated Italian and European rules on public procurement and environmental standards. The party said the investigation confirmed “what we have repeatedly denounced regarding a useless and costly project and the serious risk of unlawful interests infiltrating it.”
Azione leader Carlo Calenda said he was “not at all surprised”, suggesting the investigation could have wider ramifications: “I think this is bigger than what has come out so far.”
The Democratic Party’s spokesperson on the Chamber’s Transport Committee, Anthony Barbagallo, pointed to what he called months of “pressure and serious lack of transparency” surrounding the project that his party had been raising.
The article in Italian by EUalive’s partner FocusEurope.it can be found here.
Caption: A model of the Messina Bridge [Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of Italy]
Updated: June 10, 2026 - 09:35
