Daniela Santanchè faces trial request for fraud and bankruptcy

Milan prosecutors have requested that Senator and former Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè be sent to trial alongside 14 other individuals and one company. The charges include fraudulent bankruptcy, false accounting, and aggravated fraud against the state.

The investigation concerns the failures of several companies, including Ki Group, Ki Group Holding, Bioera, and Umbria srl. Prosecutors allege that in 2021, the group obtained approximately 3.3 million euros in COVID-19 relief funds by misleading Invitalia. Additionally, it is alleged that administrators of Ki Group Holding distributed millions in dividends while the company was in deficit and declared false capital gains totaling nearly 12 million euros.

Regarding Bioera, where Santanchè served as chair from 2012 to 2022, investigators claim disproportionate compensation was paid between 2018 and 2023 despite the company recording losses. The request for trial, formulated by prosecutors Luigi Luzi and Guido Schininà, will now be evaluated by a judge during a preliminary hearing.