In the midst of a corruption scandal involving Liguria’s governor Giovanni Toti, his chief of staff Matteo Cozzani, and businessman Aldo Spinelli, the spotlight has shifted to the role of entrepreneurs. Spinelli, his son Roberto, and Francesco Moncada, a former board member of Esselunga, appeared before Judge Paola Faggioni as part of the preliminary investigation. Spinelli is accused of illegal funding for advertising placements during a local election campaign in exchange for approval for new Esselunga stores. Spinelli expressed his innocence during the interrogation, stating that he has always acted in the interest of the port and the city, and that the funding was legitimate.
Roberto Spinelli, also subject to prohibitive measures, distanced himself from his father’s actions, stating that he did not agree with his approach of funding politics, specifically the Toti committee. On the other hand, Moncada, represented by a team of lawyers led by Professor Paola Severino, declared his innocence and emphasized his commitment to legality and transparency. He denied any involvement in illicit agreements and clarified the bureaucratic processes involved in the establishment of Esselunga stores in Sestri Ponente and Savona. Matteo Cozzani, accused of favoring Sicilian Mafia groups, denied the allegations through spontaneous statements and is awaiting interrogation by prosecutors, as is Governor Toti.
Prosecutors also interviewed parliamentarian Ilaria Cavo and Beatrice Cozzi Parodi, who received gifts such as a Chanel bag and trips paid for by Spinelli. Tamara Musso, another companion involved, is also scheduled to be questioned. Other potential leads in addition to those surrounding the port, retail industry, and waste management, include interests in private healthcare and Covid-related fraud. Investigators uncovered a million euro fraud scheme involving masks in the context of alleged vote-buying between the Resia and Calabrian communities and Toti’s list. Testimonies, including that of Genoa’s mayor Marco Bucci, have revealed new areas of investigation beyond the initial charges.
The investigation has prompted comparisons to the scandals of Tangentopoli in the 1990s, underscoring the significance of the allegations. Spinelli’s assertion of innocence and commitment to the community’s interests contrast with the portrait of corruption painted by the prosecutors, hinting at complex dynamics between business, politics, and criminal elements. The involvement of high-profile figures such as Governor Toti and his chief of staff Cozzani underscores the far-reaching implications of the probe, which extends beyond traditional boundaries of corruption and includes ties to the organized crime. As the investigation unfolds, the people of Liguria await further developments in a case that has shaken the region’s political landscape and raised questions about the integrity of its institutions.
The testimonies given by Spinelli, his son, and Moncada offer a glimpse into the inner workings of political and business dealings in Liguria, shedding light on the alleged practices of illicit funding and influence. The engagement of legal experts and public figures in the investigative process highlights the complexity of untangling the web of corruption and illegality that has been exposed. The clues uncovered by prosecutors indicate a web of interconnected interests spanning various sectors, from retail to healthcare, with implications for governance and public trust in the region. The impact of the scandal reverberates through Liguria and beyond, prompting a reevaluation of the region’s political and economic landscape.
