Milan prosecutors have filed a request to declare Riva Fire (RF) bankrupt, Kallanish learns from Italian media reports. RF was the financial holding company which controlled 90% of the troubled steelmaking company Ilva.

According to the two state prosecutors, Stefano Civardi and Mauro Clerici, once its assets were lost, the company became an ‘empty shell filled with debts’ amounting to around €429 million ($472m).

The hearing at the Milan bankruptcy court has been set for 25 March.

Riva Fire, Ilva and Riva Forni Elettrici are among the 47 defendants called to stand trial for alleged crimes against the environment linked to Ilva steel plant in Taranto, Kallanish notes.