An important operation by the Guardia di Finanza has uncovered a vast network of construction corruption and real estate speculation in Trentino Alto Adige, involving prominent figures from the political and economic landscape. The investigations, conducted by the DDA of the Trento Prosecutor’s Office, led to the arrest of Austrian magnate René Benko, founder of the Signa Group, and the mayor of Riva del Garda, Cristina Santi. Among those arrested are also Bolzano accountant Heinz Peter Hager and former senator Vittorio Fravezzi, with another 77 individuals under investigation, including 11 public officials.
The charges include criminal association, bid rigging, and illegal financing of political parties. Investigators carried out over 100 searches across various Italian provinces and abroad, discovering that some entrepreneurs allegedly offered financial support for electoral campaigns in exchange for favorable conditions for their real estate initiatives. This operation marks a significant step in the fight against corruption in the construction sector and highlights the connections between private business and public administration.
