Carabinieri police in Pavia arrested Andrea Ceffa, the 51-year-old mayor of Vigevano, on Thursday on corruption charges.
Ceffa, a member of the League party serving his second term, was placed under house arrest along with four other public officials.
The others arrested include, Roberta Giacometti, 43, a city councillor with the local conservative list Vigevano Riparte. Veronica Passarella, 52, an administrator and Alessandro Gabbi, 53, the administrative director of the municipality-controlled ASM company are under house arrest. Also arrested, Matteo Ciceri, 49, an administrator of Vigevano Gas Distribution, part of the ASM group.
All five are accused of crimes against public administration.
Investigation Details
The corruption investigation began in November 2022, focusing on allegations of political manipulation within the municipal government. A councillor was allegedly offered €15,000 to resign in an attempt to destabilise the government.
The mayor allegedly promised another councillor a consultancy position to secure her support.
As part of Thursday’s operation, police searched the residences of two others implicated in the case, Angelo Ciocca, 49, a former League MEP and Alberto Righini, 51, a construction entrepreneur.
League Party Responds
Deputy Premier and League leader Matteo Salvini defended Ceffa, describing him as “an honest and correct person at the exclusive service of the city.” Salvini expressed confidence in Ceffa’s integrity, stating that the party stands by him and is “certain of his total innocence.”
The investigation is one of many this year which have led to arrests and convictions, including the governor of Liguria. Further developments are expected as the probe continues.
