Plagiarism in the thesis: Maria Rosaria Boccia in the sights of the Naples Prosecutor's Office

An online service has opened a Pandora's box. The degree thesis presented in 2020 by entrepreneur Maria Rosaria Boccia turns out to be identical to that of another Luiss student, dated 2019. A shocking fact, which has triggered an investigation by the Naples Prosecutor's Office for alleged crimes of forgery, fraud and false attribution of other people's values.

The complaint and the investigation

The report comes from the Pegaso Telematic University, where Boccia graduated in Economics and Management with a score of 91/110. The focus is on the thesis entitled: "The National Health System: lights and shadows of an Italian excellence constrained by the constraints of public finance". The suspicion of plagiarism emerges after a report broadcast on September 9, 2024 on "Rete 4", which questioned the ownership of the academic work.

Using Turnitin Originality software, Pegaso technicians compared the two documents and found that they were virtually identical. This led to a formal complaint to the prosecutor's office.

Possible irregularities

The magistrates of the Information Systems Security Section do not stop there. They suspect that there may be further irregularities and have asked the GdF of Naples to acquire additional documentation on Boccia's educational background. This includes the universities with which he collaborated: Parthenope, Pegaso and Luiss.

Particular attention is paid to an unsigned self-certification submitted by Boccia, which refers to some exams. The situation gets complicated. The entrepreneur, who defends herself from the accusations, speaks of "media persecution" and announces complaints against those who spread false news.

Maria Rosaria Boccia's reactions

Maria Rosaria Boccia does not hold back. In a note, she announces that she has filed “the first complaints” against newspapers and individual reporters, accusing them of having spread partial or manipulated news. “It is unacceptable that newspapers have kept quiet about my first complaints about illicit uses of public money,” she declares.

Boccia wonders why the press is so careful to dig into her life, while a stalking investigation involving a well-known politician, Gennaro Sangiuliano, arouses no interest. “If freedom of the press is exercised only when it is convenient for the powerful, then it is no longer freedom, but complicity,” she concludes with a striking phrase.

A case that raises questions

This case raises questions about the transparency of the education system and the integrity of academic institutions. The questions remain: How could a plagiarism case of this magnitude not be discovered earlier? And what will be the consequences for all involved? While developments are eagerly awaited, it is clear that the story is not over yet. Stay tuned for more updates on a story that continues to surprise.