Rigged Tenders in Valva: 787 Euros Seized, Former Administrators and Entrepreneur Under Investigation

A major investigation into public procurement in the Municipality of Valva has led to the precautionary seizure, including the equivalent, of 787 thousand euros.

The measure was carried out today by the Salerno Flying Squad on the orders of the investigating judge, as part of an investigation coordinated by the Public Prosecutor's Office involving public officials, former and current municipal administrators and the entrepreneur Aniello Abate, legal representative of Fga srl.

The suspects are accused, to varying degrees, of ideological falsehood, aggravated fraud against a public body and disturbed freedom of auctions. At the center of the investigation, started two years ago after a complaint by the current mayor, are alleged irregularities related to a contract for the hydrogeological system in the San Abbondio area, awarded by the previous administration.

According to the prosecution, the entrepreneur allegedly acted in conjunction with the then mayor Vito Falcone, the former deputy mayor Lorenzo Falcone and the former councilor Elio Feniello – all now minority councilors – falsifying public documents to certify alleged variations to the project and the completion of the works, even though the works had been carried out only partially or in a different manner.

False reports, certificates and tests would have allowed Fga srl ​​to collect almost 800 thousand euros and to unduly obtain the qualification for specialized work. The investigation also focuses on the role of the sole person responsible for the procedure (Rup), his support, the director of works and the static tester.

The investigating judge considered that there were serious indications only for the hypotheses of forgery and aggravated fraud, but rejected the request for personal precautionary measures. However, the seizure of the funds was ordered.

The Prosecutor's Office appealed the decision, considering the precautionary requirements still relevant and also supporting the validity of the other charges, including bid-rigging in contracts announced in three other municipalities in the Salerno area.