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Analysis of the Judgment of the Court of Cassation, Criminal Section I, No. 36521 of 2024: Liability for Fraudulent Bankruptcy

The recent ruling by the Court of Cassation, number 36521 of 2024, has provided important clarifications regarding the criminal liability of directors in cases of fraudulent bankruptcy. In particular, the case involved A.A., who, although not formally holding the position of director at the time of the bankruptcy of Pavis Srl, was deemed responsible for illicit conduct due to his status as a de facto director.

The Context of the Judgment

The Court of Appeal of Salerno had confirmed the conviction of A.A. for fraudulent bankruptcy, but reduced the sentence imposed on him. The main reason for the conviction was based on his conduct during the period when he was a de jure director, from 2003 to 2008, and on his de facto management of the company even after his official position had ceased.

The contested judgment confirmed the assertion of liability, recalibrating the penalty imposed as indicated above, while upholding the conviction rendered by the Court of Potenza.

The Court's Arguments

The Court of Cassation found the grounds for appeal presented by A.A. to be unfounded, emphasizing that liability for fraudulent bankruptcy can also be attributed to those who have played an active role in managing the company, even in the absence of a formal position. In particular, the Court highlighted that:

  • Significant debts were accumulated during the period when A.A. was a de jure director.
  • The transfer of shares occurred in a context of insolvency, highlighting the intention to hide assets from creditors.
  • The accounting records were never handed over to the new directors, making it impossible to reconstruct the company's turnover.

The Court also recalled that, according to jurisprudence, a de facto director is someone who, while not formally invested with the position, effectively exercises the functions of managing the company.

Conclusions

The judgment in question highlights the importance of transparent and responsible management of companies, particularly for those in managerial roles. The Court of Cassation clarified that liability for fraudulent bankruptcy is not limited to de jure directors but can extend to those who perform de facto functions, underscoring the necessity of careful oversight and regular accounting to avoid incurring severe criminal penalties.