Overview

• The Public Prosecutor’s Office of Lecce has requested pre-trial detention for 11 individuals in an inquiry into alleged corruption within Pia programs designed to support small and medium enterprises.
• Prosecutors are seeking house arrest for regional councillor Alessandro Delli Noci and incarceration for entrepreneur Alfredo Barone, along with five additional house arrest requests and four interdiction orders.
• Accusations include criminal association, corruption, fraud against the state, regional and EU funds, as well as money laundering and self-laundering tied to Pia financing.
• Investigators allege a network of politicians, technical officials and business figures orchestrated vote trading for public financing between 2018 and 2023.
• Hearings before Judge Angelo Zizzari are scheduled for June 18 in Lecce, with Puglia President Michele Emiliano expressing confidence in Delli Noci and trust in the judicial process.