2014 Rome corruption scandal

The 2014 Rome corruption scandal is an ongoing investigation by Italian authorities concerning alleged contract-rigging and embezzlement of public funds taking place over a decade in the city of Rome. An alleged network of corrupt politicians, public officials and organised crime figures associated with the city's underworld, nicknamed the 'Mafia Capitale' by the national media, conspired to manipulate various projects, including waste management and housing for Romani immigrants.

The scheme took advantage of the recent influx of immigrants from eastern Europe as well as refugees from Africa and the Middle East, with one of the group's associates boasting that they made more money from the new arrivals than they did from drug trafficking. The criminal organization also used its connections to secure lucrative public contracts before accepting payments for substandard or sometimes even non-existent services.^[1] The scandal was uncovered when the network attempted to approach mayor Ignazio Marino, who in turn contacted prosecutors.^[2] Marino, who is known for getting around by bicycle, has so far refused police protection despite threats against him by the crime group.^[3] Among those investigated are former mayor Gianni Alemanno and Massimo Carminati, a former right-wing terrorist and member of the Banda della Magliana,^[4] as well as members of the 'Ndrangheta.^[5]

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