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Palermo Investigators Seize €80,000 From Cuffaro as Judge Weighs Arrests in Siracusa Tender Case

The inquiry focuses on an alleged scheme to steer an Asp di Siracusa contract to Dussmann with a subcontract to Euroservice said to reflect political backing.

Overview

  • Carabinieri del Ros seized about €80,000 in cash from former Sicilian president Salvatore Cuffaro during prosecutor‑ordered searches in Palermo and at his San Michele di Ganzaria estate.
  • Cuffaro is under investigation with 17 others, including former minister Saverio Romano, on counts of criminal association, bid‑rigging and corruption tied to health‑sector procurement.
  • Prosecutors allege the auxiliary and reception services tender at the Asp di Siracusa was illegitimately assigned to Dussmann Service, disadvantaging Pfe, with a related subcontract to Euroservice allegedly sponsored by Romano.
  • Before GIP Carmen Salustro, tender commissioner Vito Fazzino admitted to committing a false while claiming he was induced in error, leading prosecutors to withdraw their arrest request for him.
  • Commission president Giuseppa Di Mauro reportedly acknowledged pressure from then‑Asp director Alessandro Maria Caltagirone and altered scoring of bidders, while arrest requests for most suspects remain pending with a decision expected in the coming days.