An alleged illicit system of relationships between officials, technicians, and companies is said to have managed ARPAS procedures and inspections, also concealing pollution risks. However, the Carabinieri of the NOE (National Environmental Protection Agency) also discovered a series of alleged irregularities in administrative procedures, appointments, and competitions involving regional politicians and managers. After five years of investigation, Deputy Prosecutor Andrea Vacca has formally closed the investigation involving 26 people. Among those under investigation are former Regional President Christian Solinas, MP and former Regional Councilor for the Environment Gianni Lampis, the mayors of Quartucciu and Muravera, Pietro Pisu and Salvatore Piu (outgoing), and former President of the Sardinia Regional Administrative Court Francesco Scano, public officials, entrepreneurs, and technicians.
The crimes
The Prosecutor's Office suspects various crimes, ranging from ideological forgery to illicit influence peddling, corruption, and fraud against the public administration. The alleged events date back to 2021-2022. The allegations contained in the notice of conclusion of the preliminary investigations reveal what investigators call an "ARPAS System," characterized by pressure on business owners and falsifications aimed at concealing irregularities, if not outright pollution. At the center of the charges is official Giorgio Culazzu, accused of exploiting his role in environmental inspections to obtain advantages from business owners and technicians for the Marevivo environmental association in exchange for more favorable environmental inspections.
The companies
In addition to Culazzu, Fabrizio Da Pelo, Gian Pietro Ibba, Diego Cani, Alessandro Grosso, Stefano Guaita, Ferruccio Secci, Ezio Esposito, and Fabio Carmignani, nearly all directors of companies subject to ARPAS oversight, are also accused of undue influence. This line of investigation is also linked to several counts of fraud involving Culazzu, Cesare Penco, and Battista Grosso, respectively an employee and an external consultant for Eurallumina. According to the Prosecutor's Office, environmental data relating to pollution levels were manipulated or false analyses of the plants were prepared. Similar charges also concern Giovanni Maricca and Maria Francesca Lobina, respectively an ARPAS official and technical director.
