Rome: Investigation into Cavalletti Bar Irregularities Leads to Arrests, Expands to Other Chains
Rome, April 17 – The investigation into a network of companies linked to the historic Cavalletti pastry brand has intensified, leading to three arrests and six denunciations. The probe, initially focused on the Cavalletti bar in Viale Parioli, has now broadened its scope to include other establishments within the same holding company, such as the Ricci chain and the ‘Buono come il pane’ bakeries.
Arrests and Denunciations
Last Thursday, Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza arrested Rita Delle Fave, sister of Christian Delle Fave, who heads the holding company, along with Brunella Desideri and Cristina Gigli. Christian Delle Fave is currently under house arrest, while the other two are being held in Rebibbia prison. Six other individuals have been denounced. Additionally, eight establishments belonging to the Cavalletti and Ricci chains, as well as the two ‘Buono come il pane’ bakeries in Montesacro and Porta di Roma, have been temporarily closed due to irregularities discovered by the authorities. The investigations are being coordinated by Deputy Prosecutor Giovanni Conzo.
Expanding Investigations Across Rome
The military police from the Parioli company, in collaboration with Areti and Acea, have been verifying the legality of all commercial establishments since Thursday. This follows an initial inspection on March 30 at the Cavalletti pastry bar in Viale Parioli, which was temporarily closed due to electricity and water theft, as well as the presence of expired food and undocumented workers engaged in renovation work. At that time, Delle Fave was only denounced. This time, investigators conducted similar checks in shops in Piazza Sant’Emerenziana, in the African quarter, and subsequently in Eur, Vigna Clara, and other neighborhoods. Approximately fifteen businesses, including several from the Ricci chain, are under scrutiny. The results are being analyzed to determine further irregularities. Many employees on duty have been identified, and some have recently revealed that they were not paid at the end of their employment, with some forced to take legal action.
Extensive Violations Uncovered
The operation also involved investigators from NAS (Anti-Adulteration and Health Unit) and the Labor Inspectorate Unit. They inspected 11 commercial activities, including eight bar-pastry shops, one delicatessen, and the two bakeries linked to the same holding company. Activities where irregular employment of personnel, serious violations of health and safety regulations in the workplace, and electricity theft were found have been suspended until safety conditions are restored. In total, 65 administrative sanctions amounting to over 272,000 euros were issued, and more than six quintals of food products were seized due to lack of traceability.
Focus on Companies and Abusive Connections
The Labor Inspectors of the Carabinieri found 34 violations of the law, resulting in over 205,000 euros in fines. A total of 84 workers were identified during the operations, three of whom were completely undeclared. Additionally, three illegal connections to the electricity grid were discovered in other shops, as well as in four homes and company headquarters connected to the holding. The same theft was contested regarding water supply. In three cases, those responsible for the clandestine connections were also reported by the administrators of the condominiums where the inspected structures are located. However, this is only the second phase of the investigations into the Cavalletti-Ricci phenomenon, as the Public Prosecutor’s inquiry is expected to expand further to understand who granted permits to those responsible for the various companies linked to the primary one and why necessary checks on utility connections were not carried out.
Source: roma.corriere.it
