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Fraudulent Bankruptcy: Analysis of the Judgment of the Court of Cassation, Criminal Section No. 36040/2024

The very recent judgment of the Court of Cassation, Section V, of September 26, 2024, No. 36040, represents an important moment of reflection on the theme of fraudulent bankruptcy and the responsibilities of directors in complex business contexts. In the case at hand, the appellants A.A. and B.B. were found guilty of fraudulent bankruptcy in relation to the bankruptcies of the companies PAZZA IDEA Srl and MINI PA Srl, raising fundamental questions regarding resource management and intra-group operations.

The Reasons for the Judgment

The Court confirmed the decisions of the lower judges, highlighting how the conduct attributed to the appellants, particularly to B.B., constituted a clear intent of misappropriation. Among the contested operations was the transfer of considerable sums to other entities within the group, in the absence of an adequate compensatory advantage for the debtor company. This aspect is crucial, as jurisprudence establishes that, to exclude the misappropriative nature of an operation, it is necessary to demonstrate that the transfer of resources resulted in a positive final balance for the group.

The Court stated that it is not enough to consider only the management deficit, but it is essential to ascertain that the passive excess arises from misappropriations known to creditors.

Liability of Directors: A Central Theme

In this case, the Court emphasized the central role of B.B. in managing the PAZZA IDEA group, highlighting that his decisions had led to imprudent and manifestly reckless choices, harming creditors. The defense attempted to justify the operations as necessary for the rescue of the group, but the Court reiterated that such justifications are insufficient to exclude the intent provided for by Articles 216 and 223 of the bankruptcy law.

Conclusions and Practical Implications

Judgment No. 36040/2024 serves as a warning for company directors, highlighting how the management of intra-group operations must be conducted with the utmost attention and transparency. Jurisprudence continues to outline a rigorous framework regarding the liability of directors, emphasizing the importance of protecting creditors and ensuring the company's asset integrity. It is essential that business choices are always oriented towards safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders involved.