Agricultural labor force expands in Lecce with approximately 1200 hires: seizure of over 6 million euros from a businessperson

In a significant development, an agricultural entrepreneur from the town of Copertino has been convicted for aggravated fraud against the State. The irrevocable conviction took place in Lecce Court, following an investigation conducted by the Yellow Flames of Porto Cesareo tenancy.

The investigation, which was related to fraud against the Social Security Institution, uncovered that the entrepreneur, named Massimo Toma, allegedly declared 60 employment positions between 2013 and 2022. However, it was found that these positions were fictitious.

The Social Security Institution recognised social benefits (unemployment, maternity, illness) for a total amount of 6.2 million euros for these fictitious job positions. Approximately 5.4 million euros of these benefits have already been paid out.

The entrepreneur's conviction was not the only outcome of the investigation. The financial police managed to place under penal restraint the remaining 800,000 euros that the National Institute for Social Security (INPS) was about to pay to the fake agricultural workers. Furthermore, the remaining 800,000 euros of social benefits for the fictitious job positions were blocked during the investigation.

The seizure order, which was related to aggravated fraud, was issued by Lecce Court. Following the irrevocable conviction, the financial police from Lecce provincial command executed a seizure order, leading to the seizure of the 800,000 euros.

The man was placed under house arrest at the beginning of last year. The seizure order was against the agricultural entrepreneur from Copertino.

The investigation and subsequent conviction serve as a reminder of the importance of honesty and integrity in business dealings. It also underscores the financial police's commitment to pursuing and bringing to justice those who commit fraud against the State.