Webuild CEO Cleared: Dismissal of Misappropriation Charges in Genoa Dam Project

The European Public Prosecutor's Office has requested to dismiss charges against Webuild CEO Pietro Salini and others, involving the alleged misappropriation of funds in the Genoa dam project. The EPPO found no substantial evidence of wrongdoing in the contract worth 1.3 billion euros, largely funded by public money.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has moved to drop a legal case against Webuild CEO Pietro Salini and three others, over allegations of public fund misappropriation, as revealed in judicial records on Thursday.

The investigation focused on a 1.3 billion euro contract for building a dam off Genoa's coast, partly funded by 900 million euros of European and national public money, awarded to a consortium including Webuild.

The EPPO cited lack of evidence in offenses such as abuse of office and bid rigging, requesting the Genoa court to dismiss the charges. A decision from the court is awaited, while Webuild commenced construction in June through the PerGenova Breakwater consortium.

(With inputs from agencies.)