Angelo Pizzuto, Palermo Motorization director, arrested for corruption

Angelo Pizzuto, the director of the Palermo Motorization office, has been arrested on corruption charges following an investigation by the Palermo Prosecutor's Office. Police reportedly discovered approximately 5,500 euros in cash inside an envelope during a search of a property linked to the official.

The investigation suggests the money was a bribe paid by a manager of several driving schools to secure preferential treatment and facilitate the issuance of driver's licenses for certain clients. Along with Pizzuto, the driving school official has also been detained.

Pizzuto, a well-known figure in Sicilian regional bureaucracy, has previously held roles including chief of staff for the regional infrastructure assessor, director of the Madonie Park, and leadership positions at ACI Palermo. Through his lawyers, Pizzuto has denied the allegations, stating he is “firmly convinced he can prove the correctness of his actions” and intends to explain the origin of the cash found in his possession. He has formally resigned from his position to avoid obstructing the ongoing investigation.