Overview
- GIP Antonio Borretta directed prosecutors to file an imputazione coatta for John Elkann and accountant Gianluca Ferrero on two counts tied to Marella Caracciolo’s estate, overruling prior requests for dismissal.
- The order concerns alleged false tax declarations and fraud against the State, while positions for Lapo Elkann, Ginevra Elkann, and Swiss notary Urs Robert von Gruenigen were fully archived.
- A separate judge, Giovanna De Maria, postponed the decision on Elkann’s messa alla prova to 11 February 2026, creating procedural uncertainty over whether the program can proceed.
- Ferrero’s proposed plea deal consisting of a €73,000 fine has a favorable view from prosecutors, with a hearing scheduled for 21 January 2026.
- Elkann’s lawyers, noting his September payment of €183 million to the tax authority, called the order “abnormal” and said they will appeal to the Court of Cassation, as a trial could preclude the probation route.