Lacco Ameno, earthquake relief funds: €356 seized in an alleged scam.

Ischia - A historic building in Lacco Ameno, public funds earmarked for reconstruction after the earthquake of August 21, 2017, and two people under investigation for alleged misappropriation of public funds and false ideology.

This is the framework of the investigation coordinated by the Naples Public Prosecutor's Office, through the Environment, Construction, and Urban Planning section, which led the Ischia Financial Police to execute a precautionary seizure order for over 356 euros, issued by the preliminary investigations judge of the Court of Naples.

The investigation centers on a historic building complex, partially damaged by the earthquake that struck the island of Ischia in August 2017. For repairs and reconstruction, the Special Commissioner had granted a public contribution of €618, of which €347.592 had already been disbursed at the time of the investigation.

The investigation allegedly uncovered alleged irregularities in the technical documentation submitted to obtain the financing, particularly regarding the extent of the damages reported and the surface area of ​​the property eligible for the benefit.

The two appraisals and the issue of habitability

The investigative reconstruction begins with the aftermath of the 2017 earthquake. Following the tremor, evacuation of the entire building complex was ordered. In 2018, however, the order was partially revoked based on an appraisal prepared by a professional appointed by the owner, who certified the habitability of seven of the ten units in the building.

Two years later, in 2020, when applying for reconstruction funding, the same technician prepared a new report, certifying that the damage caused by the earthquake affected the entire building.

According to the prosecution's hypothesis, this second assessment would have allowed the entire surface area of ​​the complex to be included in the funding request, resulting in an increase in the requested public benefit. The Guardia di Finanza's investigations focused precisely on the difference between the two technical assessments and the consequences this would have had for the grant.

Further investigations and any technical checks will now clarify the reasons for the differing certifications and determine individual responsibilities.

Another 261 thousand euros blocked

The results of the investigation were forwarded to the commissioner, who was informed of the findings to allow the suspension of the disbursement of the remaining contribution, amounting to €261.763.

At the same time, the judicial authorities ordered the precautionary seizure of €356.237, corresponding to the sums already paid for the reconstruction. The financial police then proceeded to seize the bank accounts held by the two suspects and, up to the amount of the alleged proceeds of the crime, the historic property itself affected by the work.

The measure aims to prevent the availability of the funds and assets identified in the investigation, pending judicial developments.

The case falls within the delicate context of oversight of the use of public funding for the repair and reconstruction of buildings damaged by the earthquake. These resources were allocated to support the restoration of real estate and the return to normalcy of the affected communities. The granting of these funds requires that the actual condition of the buildings correspond to the information provided in the documentation.

The owner of the complex and the appointed technician are under investigation and must be presumed innocent pending a final judgment. The seizure order can also be appealed according to the procedures established by law.