A large-scale law enforcement operation in Salerno, southern Italy, has led to the arrest of 36 individuals accused of orchestrating a criminal network facilitating illegal immigration, corruption, forgery of public documents, and money laundering. 

The arrests, ordered by the judge for preliminary investigations (GIP) of Salerno, were carried out in the early hours of February 3 by the Carabinieri for labor protection, in collaboration with the Provincial Command of the Guardia di Finanza in Salerno. The operation was carried out under the directive of the District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) of Salerno.

Over 2,000 Non-EU citizens involved

Investigators revealed that the criminal network had fraudulently processed work permit applications for more than 2,000 non-EU citizens. These individuals allegedly paid large sums of money to obtain a residence permit in Italy. The scheme relied on compliant businesses—some created specifically for this purpose—as well as professionals and intermediaries (both public and private).

Among those implicated are public officials from the Territorial Labor Inspectorates of Salerno and Naples, who allegedly accepted bribes in exchange for approving fraudulent applications and issuing false entry and residence permits.

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Multi-Million Euro Criminal Enterprise Uncovered

The investigation, coordinated by the Salerno DDA with support from local law enforcement, extended across the provinces of Salerno, Naples, and Caserta. The Guardia di Finanza of Salerno executed additional seizure orders against five of the suspects, targeting illicit financial gains.

The operation, supervised by the District Prosecutor's Office of Salerno and backed by the National Anti-Mafia and Counter-Terrorism Directorate, uncovered an extensive criminal organization that generated illicit revenues amounting to several million euros.

During the investigation, the roles of the individuals involved within the criminal network became evident.

These included foreign nationals acting as intermediaries for compatriots eager to enter or remain in Italy; compliant employers falsely certifying eligibility for permit applications in exchange for payment; various facilitators responsible for procuring and fabricating the necessary false documentation; and patronage office representatives who, for a fee, submitted online applications during so-called "click days" to secure work permits for non-EU citizens.

Additionally, other individuals were tasked with laundering the illicit funds collected from foreign nationals, often using fraudulent invoices as a cover.

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