++ Bribes and gangmastering in the Naples-Bari high-speed railway construction, arrests and seizures ++

Authorities in Naples have executed a series of arrests and asset seizures in connection with an investigation into corruption and illegal labor practices involving the construction of the Naples-Bari high-speed railway line. The operation, led by the Naples public prosecutor's office and the judge for preliminary investigations, centers on allegations of bribery and the exploitation of labor.

Investigators have identified the use of substandard concrete in the construction process. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that illicit funds obtained through these activities were allegedly concealed within panettoni, the traditional Italian holiday cakes, to evade detection.