Tomorrow, Aldo Spinelli, an 84-year-old logistics entrepreneur and former president of Genoa and Livorno, will be questioned as part of the precautionary measures taken on May 7th that have shaken the institutional and business world in Liguria. Spinelli’s interrogation was postponed yesterday because his lawyers did not receive the summons from the judge for preliminary investigations. A search conducted at Spinelli’s home by the Finance police uncovered 220,000 euros. Another accusation has emerged against the President of the Liguria Region, Giovanni Toti, for alleged falsification in the management of Savona landfills, along with the existing corruption charges against entrepreneur Pietro Colucci. The investigation into these allegations has revealed additional elements that have led to new charges.
The investigation also extends to chemical deposits, involving companies such as Superba and Carmagnani from the neighborhood of Genoa-Multedo to the port area of Calata Sanità in Sampierderana. The Procura is considering charges of abuse of office, inducement to provide benefits, and influence trafficking in relation to final decisions made through pressure on members of the regional technical committee that was to give final approval. The investigation suggests that corruption episodes occurred onboard Aldo Spinelli’s yacht, where politicians from both sides of the political spectrum conducted business meetings and discussions about the future of the port and city of Genoa. These discussions allegedly involved exchanges of election funding and promises in return for favors regarding concessions and docking areas within the port.
The next steps in the investigation will shed more light on the allegations against Aldo Spinelli when questioning resumes on Monday, with his son Roberto also due to be interviewed. Other key figures to be questioned include Esselunga board member Francesco Moncata, accused of illicit financing of Toti, and port entrepreneur Mauro Vianello, accused of corruption in relation to Signorini. Toti will request to be questioned again in the upcoming week after choosing not to respond initially. His potential continuation as head of the Liguria Region will depend on the decisions of the Court of Review regarding the revocation of his house arrest. Regarding Toti’s potential resignation, Vice Premier Antonio Tajani of Forza Italia emphasized that the decision is personal, and believes that it is premature to do so before a thorough legal process has taken place. Tajani adopts a presumption of innocence until proven guilty approach and highlights the importance of judicial determination of guilt.
As investigations continue, political figures and business leaders are facing allegations of corruption and malpractice in Liguria, with Spinelli and Toti being central figures in the case. The involvement of politicians, businessmen, and officials in corrupt practices onboard Spinelli’s yacht has raised concerns about the integrity of decision-making processes related to the port and city of Genoa. The alleged incidents of bribery, influence peddling, and falsification reveal a web of illegal activities that have consequences for the economic and political landscape of the region. The outcomes of the legal proceedings, including upcoming interrogations and court hearings, will provide further insight into the extent of the corruption and the individuals involved, while also determining the future leadership and governance in Liguria. The importance of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law are highlighted in addressing these serious allegations and restoring public trust in the region’s institutions.
