Italian consular inspections intensify fight against citizenship fraud

Italy carried out 192 inspections of its consular network between 2023 and 2025 to prevent fraud in the issuance of passports and citizenship by descent. The inspections, intensified following allegations of corruption, resulted in 31 disciplinary proceedings and five employee dismissals. Latin America, with a high demand for “iure sanguinis” citizenship, was the main focus of the investigations. A new decree, approved in May 2025, centralizes requests in Rome to reinforce control.

The actions began in 2023, with 136 visits to consulates, and gained strength in 2025, with 56 inspections until October. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to Italian-Argentine deputy Franco Tirelli, highlighted the collaboration with the State Police and the Finance Guard.

• Objective: Combat irregularities and protect the integrity of processes.
• Focus: Consulates in countries with a large number of Italian descendants.
• Result: Suspension of civil servants and sending cases to court.

Reinforced investigations

Inspections identified irregular practices in consulates in Latin America. Corruption cases have involved everything from priority scheduling to forged documents.

Servants were dismissed after suspected damage to public coffers. Collaboration with police forces strengthened investigations, ensuring greater transparency.

Centralization in Rome

From 2025, citizenship applications began to be analyzed at Farnesina, in Rome. The measure aims to standardize processes and reduce fraud.

The decree of May 2025 limited the recognition of citizenship by descent. Centralization can increase waiting times for applicants.

The high demand for citizenship has put pressure on the consular network in recent years. Consulates in Latin America faced long queues and reports of irregularities.

The bill, approved in the Italian Chamber, reinforces control over processes. The expectation is to improve service to Italian descendants abroad.

Impact in Latin America

Latin America concentrates the majority of applications for Italian citizenship. Countries like Brazil and Argentina have millions of eligible descendants.

The frauds detected included false documents and bribes to speed up processes. Inspections temporarily suspended some consular services.

Consulates have reinforced security when checking documents. Centralization in Rome could affect the pace of approvals in the region.

Preventive measures

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expanded control missions. Inspection bodies were integrated to monitor consulates.

Legislative changes seek to protect the right to citizenship without compromising efficiency. Collaboration with local authorities has also been intensified.

Advancement in inspection

Italy plans to maintain inspections in 2026. The focus will be on consulates with a history of irregularities, especially in Latin America.