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Fraudulent Bankruptcy and Directors' Liability: Analysis of Ruling No. 7723 of 2024

The ruling no. 7723 of February 22, 2024, by the Court of Cassation provides important clarifications regarding fraudulent bankruptcy and the liability of directors. In particular, the case involved A.A., the mayor of a municipality and legal representative of a bankrupt company, and B.B., a member of the board of statutory auditors, both accused of fraudulent bankruptcy.

The Context of the Ruling

The Court of Appeal of Salerno had acquitted A.A. of the charge of fraudulent bankruptcy, highlighting that no causal link had emerged between his conduct and the company's distress, while B.B. had been convicted. The Deputy Prosecutor then appealed the ruling, emphasizing A.A.'s responsibility in contributing to the distress through irregular accounting operations.

Case law has established that to configure the criminal liability of an extraneus, it is necessary to demonstrate a specific causal contribution to the criminal conduct.

The Court's Reasons

The Court clarified that to establish A.A.'s liability, it was fundamental to demonstrate that his actions were incompatible with the exercise of political power, but rather indicated an active contribution to the distress. The ruling also emphasized that the registration of a fictitious credit in the balance sheet could not occur without his consent, thus establishing direct liability.

The Responsibilities of the Board of Statutory Auditors

Regarding B.B., the Court confirmed the conviction, highlighting that the board of statutory auditors has the obligation to oversee the actions of the directors. His conduct was deemed insufficient to counteract the accounting irregularities, which further aggravated the company's distress. It is important to note that the responsibility of the statutory auditors is not limited to mere oversight but includes a duty to take action in the event of irregularities.

  • Participation of individuals in the crime of bankruptcy.
  • Role of the mayor and criminal liability.
  • Duty of oversight of the board of statutory auditors.

Conclusions

The ruling no. 7723/2024 by the Court of Cassation clearly outlines the boundaries of liability in cases of fraudulent bankruptcy, emphasizing the necessity to demonstrate a direct causal link between the defendant's conduct and the distress. Furthermore, the active role of the members of the board of statutory auditors in overseeing the management of the company is fundamental to avoid criminal liability. This case underscores the importance of proper management of public companies and the need for rigorous oversight by the competent authorities.