The case, explained
Judicial Administration and Control: The Casinò de la Vallée Case
6 min read · Updated July 2026 · Editorial oversight: Avv. Federico Papa
The case of the Casinò de la Vallée in Saint-Vincent represents a turning point in the management of state-owned companies subject to transparency audits. According to press reports in July 2024, the Prevention Measures Section ordered judicial control to monitor the entity's susceptibility to illicit interests. This measure, rooted in the Anti-Mafia Code, aims to ensure the continuation of business activities despite critical issues in information and contractual flows. Throughout this article, we will explore the case through the lens of prevention law, reconstructing the procedural stages and the rules applied. Using a didactic "twin case", we will analyze how the legal system reacts to the risk of external influence, providing professionals with tools to interpret a measure that is not punitive but "therapeutic".
In brief
The article examines the judicial control applied to Casinò de la Vallée S.p.A., a non-dispossessory prevention measure aimed at corporate remediation. It analyzes Articles 34 and 34-bis of the Anti-Mafia Code, distinguishing between occasional and systemic facilitation. The analysis includes an anonymized twin case to illustrate control flows and operational lessons for compliance and corporate criminal defense professionals.
The fact
According to reports by outlets such as La Stampa and RaiNews VdA, the Prevention Measures Section of the Court of Turin confirmed the application of the judicial control measure (pursuant to Art. 34-bis of Legislative Decree 159/2011) against the company Casinò de la Vallée S.p.A.
The measure, initially ordered in July 2024, stems from the hypothesis of "occasional facilitation" in favor of subjects linked to organized crime. The Court appointed an expert with the task of monitoring financial flows, hiring processes, and service procurement.
The procedural stage is the execution of a non-dispossessory asset prevention measure: it is not a final conviction or a seizure, but a support mechanism aimed at purging governance of vulnerabilities that emerged in past criminal investigations.
The rules in play
The regulatory framework is centered on Legislative Decree 159/2011 (Anti-Mafia Code). Article 34-bis governs judicial control, applicable when the facilitation of illicit activities is deemed occasional.
This provision allows the company to retain ordinary management, subject to the duty to inform the commissioner of any act of disposition exceeding established thresholds. Conversely, Article 34 (Judicial Administration) entails the removal of the Board of Directors, a measure reserved for cases of systemic infiltration.
Legislative Decree 175/2016 (TUSP) also comes into play regarding the liability of public shareholder entities, tasked with overseeing the correctness of corporate conduct.
What the jurisprudence says
Supreme Court jurisprudence has clarified that judicial control is not punitive in nature, but rather preventive and collaborative. The objective is remediation: enabling the enterprise to sever links with organized crime while preserving corporate value.
The courts have emphasized that, for state-owned companies, the alarm threshold must be evaluated with strict scrutiny, given that the public interest demands absolute transparency.
Established case law confirms that the measure may be applied even where the facilitating conduct occurred in the past, provided there remains a current danger of relapse or interference with free competition.
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What it teaches professionals
- The necessity of conducting periodic audits and reputational due diligence on suppliers, particularly for state-owned entities or those operating in sensitive sectors.
- The measure under Article 34-bis can also be requested voluntarily by the company as a self-cleaning mechanism to suspend the disqualifying effects of an anti-mafia prohibition.
- Transparent and good-faith cooperation with the appointed commissioner is essential to prevent escalation of the measure and ensure business continuity.
- The defense strategy must focus on challenging the current nature of the risk of influence, rather than relying solely on contesting past events.
References: D.Lgs. 159/2011 Art. 34D.Lgs. 159/2011 Art. 34-bisD.Lgs. 175/2016
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Frequently asked questions
What is judicial control and how does it differ from judicial administration?
Judicial control (Art. 34-bis) is a non-dispossessory measure for occasional facilitation: corporate management retains ordinary administration. Judicial administration (Art. 34) is a more severe measure that involves replacing corporate management and stripping officers of their powers.
Can a company under judicial control participate in public tenders?
Yes, admission to judicial control (including upon voluntary application under Art. 34-bis, paragraph 6) suspends the disqualifying effects of anti-mafia prohibitions, enabling the company to contract with public authorities under the supervision of the appointed commissioner.
How long does this prevention measure usually last?
The measure has a duration ranging from a minimum of one year to a maximum of three years. At the end of the term, the Court assesses whether the company has successfully completed its remediation process or requires further supervision.
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