The Bologna public prosecutor has requested trial for 138 defendants accused of forging employment contracts to secure or renew Italian residence permits for at least 854 non-EU nationals. The indictment request, disclosed on 6 February 2026, follows a multi-year investigation into a consultancy firm based in San Pietro in Casale.
According to court documents, the consultants created fictitious payroll records and tax returns between 2013 and 2018, deceiving immigration offices, prefectures and the INPS social-security agency. Charges include aggravated fraud, conspiracy and breaches of Italy’s consolidated immigration act. Eight people are alleged ringleaders; a 2020 request for pre-trial detention was previously denied but the case has now advanced to a preliminary hearing set for 23 March.
For companies and individuals that need to navigate Italy’s visa and residence-permit landscape without running afoul of heightened scrutiny, VisaHQ offers a streamlined, fully online solution. The platform provides real-time document checklists, expert reviews and end-to-end filing assistance—helping applicants avoid the kinds of paperwork inconsistencies now drawing prosecutorial attention. Explore Italian visa options and compliance support at https://www.visahq.com/italy/
![Prosecutors Target Consultancy Ring Accused of Faking Job Contracts for Residence Permits]()
Although historical, the case sends a contemporary signal. Italy has tightened audit controls as it scales up lawful labour migration. Companies sponsoring foreign staff face tougher scrutiny of contract authenticity, salary level and workplace compliance. Mobility managers should therefore ensure that payroll records, tax filings and social-contribution payments are fully aligned with posted-worker and Decreto Flussi rules.
Foreign nationals who unwittingly relied on sham contracts could see their permits annulled. Legal advisers recommend proactive document reviews and, where necessary, filing supplementary evidence before the Interior Ministry launches revocation proceedings.
For the wider market, the prosecution underscores the importance of using reputable intermediaries. Expect more joint inspections by labour, tax and immigration authorities, particularly in regions with high concentrations of seasonal or low-skilled foreign workers.
According to court documents, the consultants created fictitious payroll records and tax returns between 2013 and 2018, deceiving immigration offices, prefectures and the INPS social-security agency. Charges include aggravated fraud, conspiracy and breaches of Italy’s consolidated immigration act. Eight people are alleged ringleaders; a 2020 request for pre-trial detention was previously denied but the case has now advanced to a preliminary hearing set for 23 March.
For companies and individuals that need to navigate Italy’s visa and residence-permit landscape without running afoul of heightened scrutiny, VisaHQ offers a streamlined, fully online solution. The platform provides real-time document checklists, expert reviews and end-to-end filing assistance—helping applicants avoid the kinds of paperwork inconsistencies now drawing prosecutorial attention. Explore Italian visa options and compliance support at https://www.visahq.com/italy/
Although historical, the case sends a contemporary signal. Italy has tightened audit controls as it scales up lawful labour migration. Companies sponsoring foreign staff face tougher scrutiny of contract authenticity, salary level and workplace compliance. Mobility managers should therefore ensure that payroll records, tax filings and social-contribution payments are fully aligned with posted-worker and Decreto Flussi rules.
Foreign nationals who unwittingly relied on sham contracts could see their permits annulled. Legal advisers recommend proactive document reviews and, where necessary, filing supplementary evidence before the Interior Ministry launches revocation proceedings.
For the wider market, the prosecution underscores the importance of using reputable intermediaries. Expect more joint inspections by labour, tax and immigration authorities, particularly in regions with high concentrations of seasonal or low-skilled foreign workers.
