Benevento corruption probe targets 17 suspects

The Benevento Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an extensive investigation into corruption and illegal political financing, resulting in searches involving 17 suspects. The investigation follows the March arrest of Gennaro Santamaria, the former chief of staff to Mayor Clemente Mastella, who was caught with large sums of cash.

Santamaria's statements to investigators have implicated various figures, including four municipal officials from Benevento, a former regional official from Campania, seven entrepreneurs, four technicians, and two local administrators. The probe covers several administrative sectors, including urban planning, public works contracts, public recruitment competitions, and projects for hydrogeological risk mitigation in several municipalities.

One specific allegation involves the illegal financing of the ‘Noi di Centro’ political list. Prosecutors allege that an entrepreneur provided 50,000 euros in undeclared funds to Santamaria in exchange for promised public contracts. Mayor Mastella has denied any involvement, stating that if funds were taken, they were for personal use rather than the political party.