# Benevento corruption and political financing investigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/benevento-corruption-and-political-financing-investigation > Updated: 2026-09-26T15:17:29.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2. The Benevento Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into corruption and illegal political financing involving 17 suspects. The probe follows the March arrest of Gennaro Santamaria, former chief of staff to Mayor Clemente Mastella, who was found with large sums of cash. Investigators are examining allegations that various figures—including municipal officials, regional officials, entrepreneurs, and technicians—engaged in misconduct regarding urban planning, public works contracts, recruitment, and hydrogeological risk mitigation projects. A specific allegation involves an entrepreneur providing 50,000 euros in undeclared funds to Santamaria in exchange for public contracts to benefit the ‘Noi di Centro’ political list. While Mayor Mastella denies involvement and maintains that any funds taken were for personal use rather than the political party, the investigation has triggered political pressure. Some have called for his resignation to separate legal proceedings from political legitimacy and restore public trust. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Benevento investigation expands to 17 suspects An investigation in Benevento involving 17 suspects has sparked political debate over the accountability and public trust of Mayor Clemente Mastella. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benevento-investigation-expands-to-17-suspects ### 2026-09-24: Benevento corruption probe targets 17 suspects An investigation into corruption and illegal political financing in Benevento has led to searches of 17 suspects, including municipal officials and entrepreneurs, following the arrest of a former chief of staff 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benevento-authorities-investigate-17-suspects-for-corruption-and-illegal-financing --- Cite as: Benevento corruption and political financing investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/benevento-corruption-and-political-financing-investigation