Multiversity executives under investigation for press influence

The Naples Prosecutor's Office is investigating the executives of Multiversity Spa, the parent company of Pegaso University, as part of a probe involving 22 suspects accused of private corruption. The investigation focuses on two primary allegations: attempts to pressure the Minister of University, Anna Maria Bernini, regarding remote examination extensions, and a scheme known as ‘operazione filtro’ (operation filter).

Under ‘operazione filtro’, Multiversity chairman Domenico Vaccarono is alleged to have used substantial advertising investments to influence Italian media outlets. The goal was reportedly to control the press and mitigate economic or reputational damage caused by negative news, such as a previous investigation into alleged fraud involving international students. Court documents suggest that Vaccarono offered increased advertising spending to various editors and directors to ensure certain stories were suppressed or managed in a specific way.

Journalism associations, including the Associazione Lombarda dei Giornalisti, have expressed concern that such practices exploit the structural economic crisis within the media sector, allowing powerful entities to compromise editorial independence through marketing and advertising leverage.