Cologno Monzese corruption probe involves former mayor and accountant

The Monza Prosecutor's Office is investigating a corruption scheme known as the ‘Sistema Cologno’ involving alleged vote-buying in Cologno Monzese. The investigation focuses on former mayor Angelo Rocchi and accountant Fausto Arena.

According to the indictment, Arena allegedly provided electoral financing and vote-seeking activities during the September 2020 administrative elections. In exchange, Rocchi is accused of promising to use his institutional powers to benefit Arena. These promised favors included appointing an assessor of Arena's choice, granting external contracts and consultancies, and facilitating direct assignments of legal services or influencing public tenders to benefit Arena's associates.

The investigation, which initially involved 17 suspects, has been reduced to 13 following the dismissal of organized crime charges. Arena, a former councilor from Briatico previously involved in the ‘Panta Rei’ investigation regarding the University of Messina, is considered a serious suspect in the corruption charges occurring between August 2020 and July 2022.