The Trapani Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched a significant investigation into Liberty Lines S.p.A., a leading maritime transport company in Sicily, with a focus on potential fraud, corruption, and violations of public service obligations. The company, valued at over EUR 150 million, serves various archipelagos, including the Aeolian and Egadi islands. This inquiry involves 48 individuals, including managers and executives, although no public administration officials are currently under scrutiny.
Liberty Lines is owned by the Morace family, which has faced legal challenges stemming from previous investigations, notably the Mare Monstrum case in 2017, relating to links between shipping companies and regional politics. Recent actions by the Guardia di Finanza resulted in a preventive seizure of over EUR 100 million, encompassing the company’s entire business and shares. This drastic measure, authorized by the magistrates led by Gabriele Paci, is based on allegations that the company misappropriated public funds through fraudulent practices against the State.
The prosecution claims that Liberty Lines improperly inflated its profits by receiving public grants for maritime services, failing to adhere to contractual obligations with the State and the Sicilian Region. Investigations revealed that the company did not comply with necessary procedures and safety protocols, which could have had implications for the financial compensation they received. The focus of the inquiry highlights serious violations, including an alleged lack of reporting approximately seventy breakdowns on their vessels over two years while still collecting public subsidies. Such omissions might jeopardize their operational concessions.
To manage the crisis due to the investigation and ensure the business continues to operate effectively, the public prosecutor has appointed a board of judicial administrators, consisting of financial experts and legal professionals. Their primary mandate is to reestablish legality and maintain service continuity, which is vital for the local population relying on these maritime connections for work, healthcare, and other essential services.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the note from the prosecutor emphasizes that service operations for the smaller islands will remain unchanged, ensuring that disruptions for passengers and island residents are minimized. The situation illustrates the balancing act between addressing potential legal transgressions and ensuring community needs are met without interruption.
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