Collio Mayor investigated in Italian citizenship fraud scheme

Authorities in Brescia, Italy, are investigating a suspected scheme involving the fraudulent granting of Italian citizenship to hundreds of Brazilian nationals. The investigation, led by the Prosecutor's Office of Brescia, involves ten individuals, including Mirella Zanini, the mayor of the small municipality of Collio.

Prosecutors allege that a system was in place, active since at least 2015 or 2016, where Brazilian citizens paid money to obtain formal residency in Collio without actually living in Italy. This false residency allowed them to apply for Italian citizenship through 'jus sanguinis' pathways. Investigators believe a Brazilian national may have acted as the ringleader, collecting payments from interested parties.

Mirella Zanini faces allegations including corruption, material falsehood in public documents, ideological falsehood, and violations of laws regarding the entry and stay of foreigners in Italy. Zanini has denied the accusations, stating she has acted correctly and maintains trust in the judiciary. Following the investigation's announcement, she resigned from her position as an assessor for the Valtrompia Mountain Community.