Bari faces fraud bankruptcy charges

Bari has been hit by a criminal probe centering on brothers Aurelio and Luigi De Laurentiis, accused of false corporate communications and fraudulent bankruptcy. The Bari Prosecutor's Office has launched searches at the club's offices, as well as Napoli and Filmauro, focusing on the so‑called "Caprile operation."

What is the core of the investigation?

Investigators claim the company hid losses of roughly €30 million between 2019 and 2025, creating a capital deficit and heavy debt without a recovery plan. The complaint targets three aspects: asset misappropriation, corporate offences, and fraudulent transactions, all linked to goalkeeper Elia Caprile's transfer.

How did Caprile's move happen?

Bari bought Caprile's rights from Leeds, including bonuses for a future resale. In July 2023 the keeper was sold to Napoli for €2.2 million, but without any clause for future profit participation. When Caprile later moved to Cagliari for about €8 million, the club received nothing, a detail prosecutors say helped Bari's financial collapse.

Who else is involved?

Searches also covered three sporting directors – Ciro Polito, Cristiano Giuntoli and Mauro Meluso – and agent Graziano Battistini, though they are not formally charged. The Guardia di Finanza hopes to retrieve documents, emails and contract drafts to reconstruct the deals.

What is the club's sporting situation?

Meanwhile, Bari sits 17th in Serie B with 40 points from 10 wins, 10 draws and 18 losses in 38 games; recent form is WWLLL, the last result a 0‑0 draw with Sudtirol on 22 May 2026. The side has scored 38 goals and conceded 60, a –22 goal difference, and remains 42 points behind leaders Venezia.

What could this mean for the future?

If a judge upholds the charges, Bari may face judicial liquidation, with drastic consequences for the squad and its Serie B status. Fans await a response from management, while the board tries to reassure that an internal restructuring plan is already underway.

What are the next legal steps?

The prosecutor has filed for bankruptcy and will continue scrutinising the suspicious transactions. Financial authorities will monitor further capital movements, and the case could open the door to new investigations involving other clubs tied to the same exchange network.

Bari remains on a knife‑edge: the fight for sporting survival is now intertwined with a legal battle that could reshape the club's future next season.