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As the 2026 Winter Olympics approaches, set to take place from 6 to 22 February in the picturesque Cortina d’Ampezzo, concerns surrounding organised crime and corruption are coming to the forefront. The Italian authorities are grappling with the implications of criminal infiltration in the construction sector, which has raised alarms among anti-mafia organisations and civic groups alike.
A Growing Concern: Criminal Infiltration in Construction
On 8 October, the Provincial Command of the Carabinieri in Belluno announced the arrest of three individuals as part of “Operation Reset,” a year-long investigation into alleged mafia-related activities. Among those apprehended were two brothers linked to the SS Lazio Ultras, notorious for their violent reputation. The investigation revealed that these individuals, while not formally part of the mafia, employed “mafia methods” to exert control over local businesses and construction contracts related to the upcoming Games.
The public prosecutor’s office has outlined a troubling three-phase operation allegedly orchestrated by the brothers. This included dominating the local drug trade, seizing control of nightclubs, and attempting to extort the town council for lucrative construction contracts tied to the Olympic preparations. Prosecutors have noted chilling evidence, including messages found on their phones detailing their ambitions for various construction sites in the region.
Anti-Mafia Efforts and Legislative Responses
The Italian government’s Antimafia Investigative Directorate (DIA) reported that a staggering 38% of anti-mafia measures in 2024 were directed at the construction sector, highlighting the significant risk posed by organised crime during major events. The previous World Expo in Milan faced similar challenges, with corruption scandals surrounding its €2.6 billion budget. Presently, the financial estimates for the Winter Olympics have exceeded €6.72 billion, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
In response, anti-mafia groups like Libera are ramping up efforts to ensure that procurement processes remain transparent. The organisation has spearheaded the Open Olympics 26 initiative, advocating for the publication of all financial dealings related to the Games on a publicly accessible portal. This unprecedented step aims to combat corruption and provide a clearer picture of how funds are being allocated and spent, revealing that a substantial portion of the budget is earmarked for infrastructure projects that extend beyond the Olympic timeframe.
Community Engagement and Civic Responsibility
The Open Olympics 26 programme, initiated in late 2023, underscores a growing rift between Italian civil society and governmental institutions. Leonardo Ferrante, a member of Libera’s national board, asserts that civic engagement is crucial in the fight against corruption. The initiative not only aims to promote transparency but also seeks to establish an international movement advocating for accountability in Olympic procurement processes.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Reports indicate that around 60% of Olympic projects lack environmental impact assessments, a significant concern given Italy’s stringent transparency laws. Moreover, much of the construction work is obscured in a ‘black hole’ of information, where private companies operate outside the public eye, making it difficult to track their affiliations and practices.
A Global Perspective on Olympic Integrity
The issues plaguing the Milan-Cortina Games are not isolated to Italy; they reflect a broader trend seen in recent Olympic events, including those in Sochi, Rio, and Tokyo, all of which were marred by corruption scandals. As public sentiment shifts and cities reconsider their bids for hosting major events, initiatives like Open Olympics 26 emerge as vital mechanisms for restoring trust. The effort is already inspiring similar movements in countries preparing for future Olympic Games, including France, which is set to host the 2030 Winter Olympics.
Why it Matters
The stakes for the 2026 Winter Olympics extend beyond sports; they encapsulate the ongoing struggle against organised crime and the pursuit of transparency within public projects. As Italy confronts its historical challenges with corruption, the success of initiatives like Open Olympics 26 could set a precedent for future global events, demonstrating that civic engagement and accountability are indispensable in safeguarding the integrity of international competitions. The outcomes of these efforts may ultimately redefine how nations approach the intersection of mega-events and organised crime, shaping the future of not only Italian society but the global Olympic movement as a whole.
