Italian councilor Giovanni Zannini faces trial over Invitalia fund fraud

The Prosecutor’s Office in Santa Maria Capua Vetere has issued a notice concluding the preliminary investigation into regional councilor Giovanni Zannini, a suspended Forza Italia politician from Campania, and nine others. The probe concerns alleged fraud involving public funds from Invitalia for the construction of a cheese‑making plant in the Casertano area. Investigators claim Zannini helped the Griffo brothers secure the financing despite missing environmental permits, with five technical officials allegedly preparing a falsified environmental study. He is also accused of receiving a luxury‑yacht trip as a bribe for his intervention.

A second line of inquiry alleges that Zannini, through health system chief Antonio Postiglione, exerted pressure to force the removal of Enzo Iodice, the former health director of the ASL of Caserta. The investigation now moves toward a possible request for indictment, after the ten suspects have been given the opportunity to submit defenses.