• via Alberto da Giussano, 26, 20145 Milano
  • +39 02 4003 1253
  • info@studiolegalebianucci.it
  • Criminal Lawyer, Family Lawyer, Divorce Lawyer

Fraudulent Bankruptcy: Analysis of the Judgment of the Court of Cassation, Criminal Section V, No. 37012 of 2023

The recent ruling of the Court of Cassation, Section V, No. 37012 of 2023, addressed an emblematic case of fraudulent documentary bankruptcy, confirming the responsibilities of an administrator of a cooperative. In this article, we will analyze the motivations of the ruling and the legal implications that arise from it, in order to clarify the applicable principles regarding liability for bankruptcy.

The Case in Summary

The appellant, A.A., had been convicted of fraudulent documentary bankruptcy in relation to the bankruptcy of the cooperative of which he was the chairman of the board of directors. Despite having submitted his resignation, the Court deemed that it was ineffective, as it had not been formalized and the board of directors had been completely dissolved.

The ruling clarified that the resignation had no external value and that the administrator continued to operate under a regime of prorogation.

In particular, the Court emphasized that the obligation to maintain accounting records persists until the company is removed from the business register, thus highlighting the administrator's responsibility in document management.

The Court's Reasoning

The Court of Cassation rejected A.A.'s defense arguments, highlighting:

  • The ineffectiveness of the submitted resignation, which had not led to a formal replacement in the position.
  • The continuation of responsibility for maintaining the accounting records, as the administrator had not formalized the termination of his mandate.
  • The partial delivery of the accounting records, which hindered the asset reconstruction of the cooperative.

Furthermore, the Court clarified that the fraudulent intent required for the configuration of the crime of fraudulent bankruptcy was present, given the appellant's behavior in delaying the delivery of the accounting records.

Legal Implications

The decision of the Court of Cassation reaffirms some fundamental principles in Italian bankruptcy law:

  • The responsibility of administrators extends even in the case of resignations if these are not formalized and accepted.
  • The maintenance of accounting records is an obligation that persists until the company is removed from the business register.
  • Fraudulent intent can be demonstrated through behaviors that suggest the administrator intended to obstruct verification activities by the authorities.

This ruling serves as an important reminder for all company administrators, emphasizing the importance of proper document management and the associated responsibilities.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the ruling of the Court of Cassation No. 37012/2023 clarifies the legal responsibilities of administrators in cases of fraudulent documentary bankruptcy. It is essential that executives of businesses and cooperatives understand the seriousness of their responsibilities and the importance of transparency in accounting management to avoid serious legal consequences.