BOLZANO. Pressure, favors and money in exchange for concessions, contracts, authorizations or services.An intertwining of business and politics created by an alleged association capable of influencing teh choices of local administrators.What struck Trentino Alto Adige afterwards was a judicial earthquake over four years of investigations by the ROS dei Carabinieri and the Gico della Finanza coordinated by the Anti-Mafia District Prosecutor’s Office of Trento.
Nine people ended up under house arrest for criminal association using the mafia method. Overall – with various charges – 77 people are under investigation, including 11 public administrators, 20 managers and officials of local authorities and investee companies, members of the police force, professionals and entrepreneurs. There are also numerous companies and businesses reported for administrative liability.
According to the investigators, “the predatory behavior of the association is recognized by its associates and third parties and fully respected, in the name of a sort of immunity”. The Austrian tycoon René Benkowho presented himself to the Polizeidirektion in Innsbruck but remains at large,is considered by investigators to be one of the promoters of the alleged criminal association. The accountant from Bolzano Heinz Peter Hager and the Lagarino entrepreneur Paolo Signoretti they would instead be the bridgeheads in Alto Adige and Trentino. According to the investigators, the two had “full autonomy in their work of infiltration into the economic-social fabric of Trentino and South Tyrol”.
Among the suspects for whom the precautionary measure was requested there is also the former mayor of Dro and former senator Vittorio Fravezzi, who,investigators claim,also used “threats and intimidation”. The mayor of riva del Garda is also under house arrest Cristina Santi (Lega) – who would have bent “the public interest to the private interest” – the architects of Bolzano Fabio Rossa e Andrea Saccanithe journalist Lorenzo Barzon and the manager of the Municipality of Bolzano in the land management office Daniela Eisenstangen.
The investigation, born in 2019, started after Eisenstecken illegally accessed the computer system.The investigations revealed great financial availability for the acquisition of areas, such as progetti Waltherpark e Gries Village to Bolzano, or for there‘area ex Cattoi a Riva ed ex hotel a arco in Trentino.
the renovations or buildings – according to the investigators – would have been planned “in open disregard of discipline”. every time an inspection of the construction site was “carried out by honest officials who were unrelated to the plans of the criminal group, the top officials worked to equally issue the required certifications, overcoming or admonishing the officials”.
The current mayor of Arco, among others, is also under investigation in the investigation Alessandro Bettaand the former provincial councilor Luca Zeni both exponents of the trentino PD.Despite having received a total of 46,970.00 euros in the form of consultancy, an amount exceeding the legal threshold of 3,000 euros, they would not have complied with the obligation to submit a joint declaration to the presidency of the Chamber of Deputies. Among those under investigation is also the city councilor and former candidate for mayor of Trento for the center-right, Andrea Merler (FdI), lawyer and vice-president of patrimonio del Trentino spa. He would – among other things – facilitate the sale of land owned by the public company to a private company in exchange for an alleged financial reward of around 10,000 euros, which would then be paid to the law firm of which he is a partner.
What are the key factors contributing to corruption in Trentino-Alto Adige according to experts?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Recent Corruption Scandal in Trentino-Alto Adige
Time.news Editor: Good day and welcome to our special segment on the recent corruption scandal that has rocked Trentino-Alto Adige. Today, we have with us Dr. Elena Rossi, a political scientist and expert on organized crime. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rossi.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The recent investigations by the ROS dei Carabinieri and Gico della Finanza unfolded intricate ties between business and politics in the region. Could you elaborate on what you think has contributed to this “intertwining” that the investigation has highlighted?
Dr. Rossi: Certainly. The situation in Trentino-Alto Adige exemplifies a systemic issue where business interests often overlap with political power. This environment can foster a culture of manipulation, where favors and financial incentives lead to corrupted practices. In cases like these, the boundaries between legitimate business and criminal activity become increasingly blurred, creating opportunities for exploitation.
Editor: Interestingly, the allegations involve 77 individuals, including public administrators. How critical do you think public trust is in preventing such corrupt practices?
Dr.rossi: Public trust is essential for the integrity of any democratic system. When trust erodes, it becomes easier for corrupt individuals to operate unchecked. The involvement of high-ranking officials and entrepreneurs in such a scheme not only damages the credibility of local institutions but also dissuades citizens from participating in democratic processes,fearing that their voices won’t lead to genuine accountability.
Editor: Following the judicial actions, including house arrests and investigations into numerous professionals and businesses, what kind of implications can this have for the region’s governance?
Dr. Rossi: The implications can be profound.Initially,there will be immediate disruptions to local governance with key officials under investigation. However, more importantly, it can instigate calls for greater transparency and accountability in public institutions. Hopefully, it may lead to reforms that enhance oversight, encouraging a more robust ethical framework for public service.
Editor: One striking detail that emerged from the investigations is the alleged immunity that some associates believed they possessed. What does this say about the mindset within such corrupt networks?
Dr. Rossi: It reveals a deeply entrenched sense of entitlement and impunity. When individuals feel they can operate above the law, it indicates a lack of fear of consequences, as well as a possible network of protection that has developed over time. This mindset can prevent critical challenges to authority and perpetuate cycles of corruption.
Editor: There’s mention of an Austrian tycoon, René benko, entangled in the controversy. How do foreign influences complicate local corruption cases?
Dr. Rossi: Foreign influences can introduce additional complexity, as the interests of external parties may not align with those of local stakeholders. This can lead to a wider web of corruption, where local officials may feel pressured or incentivized to prioritize foreign business interests over ethical governance. It highlights the necessity for robust regulatory frameworks that manage not just local but also cross-border influences in governance.
Editor: As we look ahead, what measures do you believe would be most effective in addressing these kinds of corruption issues moving forward?
Dr. Rossi: A multi-faceted approach is crucial. Strengthening legal frameworks that enhance accountability, promoting whistleblower protections, and instilling ethical training for public officials could make notable strides. furthermore, citizen involvement through advocacy and civic engagement can serve as a powerful guard against corruption, ensuring that public officials remain answerable to the community.
Editor: Thank you,dr.Rossi, for your insightful analysis on this pressing issue. It’s clear that the investigation in Trentino-Alto Adige reveals profound challenges that resonate beyond the region itself.
dr. Rossi: thank you for the prospect to discuss these important matters. I hope for a brighter, more accountable future for our democratic institutions.
Editor: and thank you to our viewers for joining us today. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.