Unraveling Italy’s
Most Controversial Telecom Take‑Over

Follow the money, the politics, and the paper‑trail behind the dramatic fall of Eutelia S.p.A., which was once the 4th‑largest telecommunication company in Italy. Learn about how the Italian state's corruption lead to it being plunged into extraordinary administration, stripped of a €200 million network, and sold off for a fraction of its value.

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What happened to Eutelia?

In June 2010 the Italian government seized Eutelia S.p.A., which was then the country’s 4th‑largest telecom operator with over 2 000 staff and a 15 000 km fibre infrastructure, and placed it under extraordinary administration. Prosecutor Roberto Rossi requested insolvency on the basis of tax fines that have since been cut by ≈ 90 %. Three state‑appointed commissioners later sold the €200 M network to a shell company for just €15 M. A growing paper‑trail now links senior civil servants, magistrates and offshore entities to the deal.

Why this case still matters

Strategic infrastructure 15 000 km of fibre forming a backbone for military & law‑enforcement comms was transferred to a shell company for €15 M.
Political intrigue The takeover was signed by then PM Silvio Berlusconi, amid alleged conflicts of interest linking prosecutors, intelligence insiders & media empires.
Ongoing investigations In 2019 a corruption probe was opened into commissioner Daniela Saitta, who lead the sale, raising questions about corruption within the Italian justice system.
Weaponised tax power Prosecutor Roberto Rossi imposed tax penalties that were later slashed by 90 % in order to steal the company.