'Ministry subcontractors close to mafia'

(ANSA) - Rome, March 18 - Florence prosecutors investigating alleged graft at Italy's infrastructure and transport ministry said Wednesday most of the actual construction of public works is carried out by "myriad subcontractors often contiguous with mafia criminal elements". For example, a contract to dispose of construction debris from the new Florence TAV high-speed rail line went to companies headed by a firm "that is close to the Casalesi" Camorra mafia clan, according to prosecution papers in the investigation against ex-ministry official Ercole Incalza.