# Investigation into Claudio Zali > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-claudio-zali > Updated: 2026-09-04T10:21:16.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Authorities in Ticino have launched a criminal investigation into Lega politician and former State Councillor Claudio Zali regarding alleged sexual assaults and offenses against sexual integrity occurring several years ago. Zali has denied all criminal responsibility. The investigation follows the death of a 52-year-old woman found in Lake Ceresio, who had previously published a secretly recorded conversation in which Zali allegedly admitted to beating a woman. While an autopsy initially suggested drowning was the most likely cause of death, subsequent toxicology reports revealed high levels of alcohol and the presence of drugs. Authorities are investigating a potential connection between her death and an assault report she filed ten days prior to her passing. In response to the investigation, the Ticino Council of State stripped Zali of his Department of the Territory to preserve institutional credibility. The department is now being managed by Health Director Raffaele De Rosa. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Claudio Zali stripped of department amid criminal investigation The Ticino government has stripped Claudio Zali of his department amid a criminal probe into sexual integrity offenses. Separately, an autopsy confirmed a woman linked to Zali's audio leaks died by drowning. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/claudio-zali-stripped-of-department-amid-criminal-investigation ### 2026-08-31: Claudio Zali faces new investigation for alleged sexual assault Ticino authorities have opened a new investigation into Lega politician Claudio Zali for alleged sexual assaults, following the death of a woman who had previously released incriminating recordings of him. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/claudio-zali-faces-new-investigation-for-alleged-sexual-assault --- Cite as: Investigation into Claudio Zali. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/investigation-into-claudio-zali