The Governor of Liguria, Giovanni Toti, who is currently under house arrest on charges of corruption and forgery, arrived at the barracks of the Guardia di Finanza in Piazza Cavour, Genoa, for questioning by the public prosecutors leading the investigation into corruption at the port. Also present were the prosecutors Federico Manotti, Luca Monteverde, and Vittorio Ranieri Miniati. Toti had requested to be heard to respond to the charges brought against him by the prosecution, after previously opting not to answer questions. His lawyer, Stefano Savi, stated that Toti is prepared to defend himself against all accusations, asserting that the funds received by his committee were legitimate and accounted for, and that he did not personally profit from them.
The investigation, which has resulted in ten precautionary measures and 25 individuals being investigated, is being conducted by Federico Manotti, Luca Monteverde, Nicola Piacente, Francesco Pinto, and Vittorio Ranieri Miniati. The prosecutors allege a criminal scheme involving favors to companies and entrepreneurs in exchange for votes, known as the “Toti system”. Connections with organized crime from Calabria and Sicily operating in Liguria have also been uncovered. However, the focus remains on the management of affairs related to the Port of Genoa, which allegedly involved stays in luxury hotels, gold, jewelry, and designer bags. The main accusation against the governor is receiving €74,000 in cash from Aldo Spinelli, along with promises of additional funding.
Apart from Toti, others under house arrest include Matteo Cozzani, Toti’s chief of staff and campaign coordinator for his reelection bid, Aldo Spinelli, a prominent entrepreneur from the Port of Genoa and former president of the Genoa and Livorno football clubs, as well as Francesco Moncada, a member of the Esselunga board accused of illegal financing in the recent municipal elections, and Mauro Vianello, a port entrepreneur. Restrictions have been placed on their activities and movements, with various individuals facing different measures, such as prohibition from engaging in business activities for a certain period or a requirement to report to authorities regularly. The prosecution has also seized €570,000, believed to be the total amount of bribes paid so far.
The investigation has uncovered a complex web of alleged corrupt practices at the highest levels of government and business in the Liguria region, with ties to criminal organizations and illicit exchanges of favors and money. The involvement of public officials, including the governor, in these activities has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the political and economic systems in the region. The case has sparked public outrage and calls for transparency and accountability in government, as well as measures to prevent such abuses of power in the future. The prosecutors are continuing their inquiries to uncover the full extent of the corruption and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
The allegations against Toti and other individuals involved in the corruption scandal suggest a widespread and long-standing pattern of illegal conduct that has compromised the public trust and undermined democratic institutions. The prosecution’s efforts to dismantle the corrupt network and bring those responsible to justice are seen as crucial steps towards restoring faith in the rule of law and promoting ethical governance. The impact of the scandal on the political landscape of Liguria and Italy as a whole remains to be seen, but it is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the region’s future development and reputation. As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the extent of the wrongdoing and the individuals involved in the illicit activities.
