
Fraud uncovered: what happened
The Guardia di Finanza in Varese uncovered 29 cases of improper collection of citizenship income, totaling over 330,000 euros. The investigation involved residents from Varese and neighboring towns such as Luino, Cantello, Gallarate, Busto Arsizio, and Saronno.
Using targeted economic and financial investigations, supported by risk indicators, the authorities identified false or omitted financial declarations as the root of the fraud.
Gambling winnings: a critical factor
A key aspect of the investigation concerns the undeclared income from online gambling winnings. Some beneficiaries, referred to as “inconsistent players,” held gambling accounts used for sports betting and poker tournaments, with deposits reaching hundreds of thousands of euros. A recent ruling by the Constitutional Court stated that such winnings exclude individuals from accessing citizenship income, as public assistance cannot cover discretionary expenses.
Other abuses: hidden incomes and false statements
One case involved a construction entrepreneur who used accounting tricks to hide income and continue receiving benefits. Others failed to report earnings from foreign employment. These omissions have been reported to INPS for the recovery of unlawfully obtained funds.
Guardia di Finanza’s role in protecting public resources
This operation highlights the Guardia di Finanza’s commitment to ensuring social aid reaches the most vulnerable groups, safeguarding public resources from fraud. However, it is crucial to note that the investigation is still in its preliminary phase, and the principle of presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction.