The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been cooperating for some time with investigative bodies to shed light on certain corrupt activities carried out by some employees involved in the illicit issuance of work visas, which were improperly granted to non-EU citizens.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ inspection activities, strengthened at the initiative of Minister Tajani since 2023, have been making a significant contribution to identifying criminal networks in Italy that profit from the granting of visas under the so-called decreto flussi, as well as from the issuance of fraudulent tourist visas.
Over the past two years, a total of 136 inspection visits have been conducted at diplomatic and consular representations abroad (67 in 2023 and 69 in 2024). In addition to general inspections aimed at assessing all areas of activity in foreign missions, targeted inspections have been carried out to examine specific sectors prone to particular issues or in response to precise reports concerning consular matters (notably visas and citizenship).
Most recently, investigative activities coordinated by the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office and carried out by the Guardia di Finanza led to the execution of a precautionary custody order against five individuals, including two former employees who were serving at an embassy abroad at the time of the incidents.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation and cooperate with the judiciary in pursuit of a more transparent entry policy into Italy, free from criminal infiltration.
