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Fraudulent Bankruptcy: Analysis of the Judgment of the Court of Cassation, Criminal Section V, No. 37959 of 2024

The recent ruling of the Court of Cassation, Criminal Section V, No. 37959 of October 16, 2024, provides an important reflection on criminal responsibilities related to fraudulent bankruptcy. In particular, the Court examined the actions of A. A., accused of fraudulent bankruptcy by diversion, and clarified various crucial aspects regarding the management of personal expenses by an entrepreneur.

The Context of the Judgment

In the case in question, A. A. was accused of diverting company assets during the management of his pharmacy, resulting in harm to creditors. The Court of Appeal of Catanzaro initially upheld the conviction, but the Court of Cassation decided to annul the judgment concerning certain actions, highlighting the lack of adequate reasoning regarding the withdrawals made in 2011, 2013, and 2014.

The judgment clarifies that necessary expenses to meet the entrepreneur's living needs cannot constitute the crime of fraudulent bankruptcy.

Personal Expenses and Bankruptcy

The Court reiterated that expenses incurred by the entrepreneur for himself and his family cannot automatically be classified as diversionary. It is essential to distinguish between necessary expenses and excessive expenses. Excessive expenses, in fact, can constitute simple patrimonial bankruptcy, while merely luxurious expenses may constitute fraudulent bankruptcy. This distinction is crucial for assessing the criminal responsibility of the entrepreneur.

  • Necessary expenses: meet ordinary or extraordinary needs.
  • Excessive expenses: disproportionate to the economic conditions of the entrepreneur.
  • Luxurious expenses: lacking rational justification, indicative of asset dissipation.

Conclusions

The judgment of the Court of Cassation emphasizes the importance of a detailed analysis of the entrepreneur's actions and the expenses incurred. The confusion between the entrepreneur's assets and those of the business requires careful examination to prevent legitimate expenses from being interpreted as diversionary. Ultimately, the Court of Cassation clarified that not all personal expenses can be considered a crime, but case-by-case evaluation is necessary.