Chinese Students Accused of Bribery as Milan Prosecutors Investigate Conservatory Corruption

The Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office has concluded its investigation into an alleged bribery network at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan and has formally requested the case go to trial. The probe, led by prosecutor Giovanni Polizzi, names 24 individuals under investigation — including five teachers and 19 students, most of whom are Chinese nationals.

According to prosecutors, the students offered bribes and luxury gifts — including mobile phones, designer sunglasses, necklaces, and up to €12,000 in cash — in exchange for admission to the prestigious music institution. The charges include corruption, improper inducement to give or promise benefits, and forgery.

Investigators allege that, in order to gain entry to the conservatory, students presented teachers with high-value items such as cufflinks, smartphones, Bluetooth speakers, humidifying fans, designer scarves, branded sunglasses, earrings, and pearl necklaces — one scarf alone reportedly worth €400.

Prosecutors claim these bribes were disguised as prepayments for vocal lessons. The teachers allegedly required students to pay upfront for between 50 and 80 lessons, amounting to €9,000 to €12,000 per person.

Authorities described the scheme as a sophisticated system designed to bypass existing regulations. The implicated teachers are accused not only of exploiting this system but also of fostering a compromised academic environment where the integrity of grading and admissions was called into question.

The prosecution has filed a total of 58 charges, including corruption, improper inducement, and fraud. Notably, the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory itself is considered a victim in the case. The five teachers involved include both current and former faculty members; three of them remain under suspension orders.