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Lecce Prosecutor Seeks Pre-Trial Detention for 11 in Puglia Pia Funds Corruption Case

A June 18 hearing will test allegations that officials used Pia programs to exchange electoral support for regional aid; prosecutors seek house arrest for a regional councillor, jail for other suspects

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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.