Mario Adinolfi denies fraud amid house‑arrest hearing on collective betting case

Italian journalist and founder of the Popolo della Famiglia, Mario Adinolfi, was ordered into house arrest by the Rome g​ip after a Guardia di Finanza investigation uncovered a alleged “collective betting” scheme. Prosecutors accuse him of aggravated fraud, illegal financial activity, and tax evasion involving roughly ninety participants, some described as “important” professionals. In the guarantee interrogation, Adinolfi asserted, “Sono un giocatore, non un truffatore di vecchiette né un lestofante,” claiming he merely acted as an intermediary and that most investors were repaid – he cited refunding €50,000 to a woman who had contributed €30,000. His defence lawyers asked the judge to lift the restrictive measure; the magistrate will decide in the coming days. Party colleague Cristina Zaccanti, who filed a complaint, said, “Io continuo a sperare per l’amico Mario Adinolfi che dica la verità.” The case has drawn considerable media attention and raises questions about the financial activities of a prominent political figure.