Author: Luca Zappaterra
Committee: Academic Committee
Date: 27/03/2026
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has filed a request for precautionary measures against 16 individuals in Naples, including university professors, researchers from Italian academic institutions, and corporate managers.
The allegations involve corruption and other related crimes. The EPPO claims that the suspects manipulated their respective institutions into purchasing goods and services from specific vendors in exchange for personal benefits, such as electronic devices for themselves or their families. The EPPO established jurisdiction in the case because the funds used for these contracts were sourced from European public education grants.
The investigation began in Palermo in 2023, following the discovery of a similar scheme involving a school principal. During that initial inquiry, an employee of one of the companies involved revealed that this illicit practice was widespread across Italy.
As of February 24, following the official request for precautionary measures, the preliminary investigations judge (GIP) has begun questioning the suspects. Notably, during these proceedings, two of the professors questioned reportedly confirmed their involvement in the scheme. Prosecutors have emphasized the pivotal role played by both researchers and professors, asserting that they were the primary actors who manipulated their respective institutions to facilitate these illicit contracts.
Clearly enough, under both Italian and EU law, the suspects are presumed innocent until the final sentence is handed down.
References:
“Corruzione fondi UE, Procura europea chiede arresto di 16 tra docenti e ricercatori”, SkyTG24 24th february 2026. Available at:
https://tg24.sky.it/cronaca/2026/02/24/fondi-europei-corruzione-campania-sicilia-arresti.
“«Cresta su fondi Ue», la Procura Europea chiede l’arresto di 16 docenti e ricercatori italiani per corruzione”, Il Corriere della Sera 24 february 2026. Available at:
“La Procura europea chiede l’arresto di 16 docenti universitari, ricercatori e manager.
Tangenti su appalti finanziati con fondi Ue e Pnrr”, il fatto quotidiano 24 february 2026. Available at https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2026/02/24/tangenti-pnrr-procura-europea-arresti-notizie/8303 316/.
“Cresta su fondi Ue, la Procura europea chiede l’arresto di 16 docenti e ricercatori italiani”, La Stampa 24 february 2026. Availabe at:
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“Facevano la cresta sui fondi Ue, la Procura europea chiede l’arresto di 16 docenti e manager italiani”, Comunicazione italiana 24 february 2026. Available at: https://comunicazioneitaliana.it/news/ce96275c34d55167a0ef178422c19591.