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 core is Legislative Decree 159/2011 (Anti-Mafia Code). Article 34-bis governs judicial control, applicable when the facilitation of illicit activities is deemed occasional.
This rule provides that the company retains ordinary management but must communicate to the commissioner every act of disposition exceeding established thresholds. Conversely, Article 34 (Judicial Administration) would involve 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 actions.
What the jurisprudence says
Supreme Court jurisprudence has clarified that judicial control is not punitive but "collaborative" in nature. The goal is remediation: helping the business sever ties with crime without destroying corporate value.
Judges have emphasized that, for state-owned companies, the alarm threshold must be evaluated rigorously, as public interest mandates absolute transparency.
Established trends confirm that the measure can be applied even if the facilitation facts occurred in the past, provided there is a current danger of relapse or interference with free competition.
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What it teaches professionals
- The importance of periodic audits of suppliers, especially for public companies or those operating in sensitive markets.
- The measure under Art. 34-bis can also be requested voluntarily by the company as a safeguard (self-cleaning) to suspend the effects of an anti-mafia disqualification.
- Transparent dialogue with the appointed commissioner is key to avoiding an escalation of the measure and preserving business continuity.
- The defense must focus on the current nature of the danger rather than merely contesting historical facts.
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 prescriptive and less invasive measure applicable in cases of occasional facilitation: the company's management retains control. Judicial administration (Art. 34), on the other hand, is a more severe measure required in cases of systemic influence, where the court replaces or suspends the company's leadership and entrusts management to a judicial administrator.
Can a company under judicial control participate in public tenders?
Yes, admission to judicial control suspends the effects of the anti-mafia disqualification, allowing the company to continue contracting with the Public Administration under the commissioner's supervision.
How long does this prevention measure usually last?
The measure has a minimum duration of one year and a maximum of three years. At the end, the Court evaluates whether the company has been remediated or if further supervision is required.
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