Criminal Infiltration in Legal Economy and Corruption: Well-Established Phenomena in Italy and in Europe

Several studies and institutional analysis (such as, the recent anti-corruption report by European Commission) have recognized the criminal infiltration in legal economy, mainly in public contracts, and the corruption as most serious and widespread problems in many European Countries, especially in Italy. As a result, it is a need to deeply analyze the various operating modes used by OC to tamper the procedures for the execution of public contacts, with special attention to corruption forms. In the paper, we formulate hypotheses on determinants of the phenomena endemicity. In our reasoning, special analytical attention is devoted to the weaknesses of the administrative practices which guarantee the fair modalities of public works execution for preventing crime infiltration. Finally, we wonder if an European strategy for combating criminal infiltration in legal economy exists or if a political harmonization among the various Member States for preventing OC is a need.