Matteo Ricci, a Member of the European Parliament for the Democratic Party (PD) has confirmed that he is under investigation for corruption. The probe relates to contracts awarded during his time as mayor of Pesaro, between 2014 and 2019. Ricci is also the centre-left candidate for president of the Marche Region.
Ricci is one of 24 people under investigation in the case, which involves public works, events, and sponsorships managed by the Pesaro City Council. The inquiry is being led by the local public prosecutor’s office and carried out by the police and the Guardia di Finanza. Investigators are expected to begin questioning suspects by the end of July.
According to prosecutors, Ricci and other suspects allegedly bypassed public procurement laws to award direct contracts, without competitive tenders, to selected organisations. Two groups repeatedly named in the investigation are Opera Maestra and Stella Polare. They received funding for projects including murals, sports events, and public celebrations. Estimates put the total value of these contracts at over €500,000.
Investigators claim the system of contracts served to create political and personal benefits for Ricci. These include an image boost as a capable administrator. Financial advantages allegedly extended to associates and other individuals involved in the network. The prosecutors argue that this practice constituted a form of systematic corruption.
Matteo Ricci is “calm” and not worried
In a video message released on Wednesday, Ricci expressed surprise at the notification. However, he insisted he was not worried. “I am calm, but also bitter and angry,” he said, criticising the timing of the notice as politically motivated, given the upcoming September regional elections. He firmly denied any wrongdoing and stated he had “nothing to do with the alleged irregularities.”
The case follows another recent high-profile probe involving Milan’s centre-left Mayor Giuseppe Sala. Sala is under investigation in a separate corruption case tied to urban planning and construction projects in Milan. Both cases have increased political tensions ahead of regional elections.
