Italian Junior Culture Minister Resigns Amid Multiple Investigations

Vittorio Sgarbi steps down to avoid conflict of interest, facing allegations of art theft and antitrust violations.

Vittorio Sgarbi, Italian junior culture minister, resigns amid allegations of laundering stolen goods and an antitrust investigation.
Sgarbi is accused of altering a 17th-century painting, 'The Capture of Saint Peter,' to conceal its provenance, which he denies.
The politician also faces accusations regarding a painting attributed to Valentin de Boulogne, valued at €5m, seized by police in Montecarlo.
Sgarbi cited the antitrust investigation, which focused on fees received for public appearances, as the reason for his resignation.
The resignation comes as Sgarbi was due to face a vote of no confidence on February 15.