Former railway manager Moretti begins prison sentence, lawyers seek house arrest

Mauro Moretti, the former CEO of Italian railways, has begun his prison sentence for manslaughter, surrendering himself to authorities. The 72-year-old manager, who received a five-year sentence, is reportedly preparing for life behind bars, having previously engaged with associations focused on prisoners' rights as a form of psychological preparation.

“

I respect the State, I surrender.

Moretti's defense team has formally requested house arrest, emphasizing his age and lack of perceived dangerousness. They argue that his surrender to authorities in Orvieto was a strategic move. This location allows the surveillance magistrate in Spoleto to more closely monitor his judicial process, potentially avoiding the delays associated with Rome's busy surveillance court.

“

I'm going in, bye.

The former executive's surrender was reportedly calm, with a brief WhatsApp message to friends stating, "I'm going in, bye." His wife visited him, and his lawyers have filed the request for house arrest. Pessimistic forecasts suggest he might serve only a few months. Moretti reportedly packed a light suitcase with essentials, clothing, and books, which he requested to keep with him as a potential antidote to depression.

“

The surveillance magistrate competent, that of Spoleto, has the possibility to follow each person's judicial process more closely.

For the past year, since his sentence was confirmed in May 2025, Moretti had been involved in a project with CNEL, an Italian economic and labor council, focused on connecting former inmates with the business world. His lawyer, Ambra Giovene, expressed indignation at the Cassation judges' decision, stating Moretti had initially been acquitted of the charges related to the 2009 incident. She noted that the conviction stemmed from a complex argument regarding perceived deficiencies in railway regulations at the time.

“

It was about bringing together people from prison and the business world.