Former Milan city planning officials and top executives faced preliminary questioning on Wednesday as part of a major corruption investigation into the city’s urban development sector. The case, led by the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office, centres on suspected favouritism and false declarations in the approval of construction projects between public officials and private developers.
Giancarlo Tancredi, Milan’s former councillor for Urban Regeneration, told investigating judge Mattia Fiorentini that he had “always acted in the interest of the city” and never pursued personal gain. Tancredi is under investigation for suspected corruption, false statements and undue inducement. Prosecutors have requested house arrest.
Tancredi denied any attempt to favour Giuseppe Marinoni, the former president of Milan’s Landscape Commission, and firmly rejected allegations of having taken bribes or other benefits. He also defended the actions of Mayor Giuseppe Sala, distancing him from any wrongdoing linked to the case.
Giuseppe Marinoni, also under investigation, exercised his right to remain silent during the hearing. His lawyer, Eugenio Bono, filed a short written statement arguing against the need for precautionary measures such as pre-trial detention. Bono dismissed the prosecutors’ accusations, claiming the case lacked concrete evidence and amounted to moral judgement rather than legal substance.
Alleged certain projects bypassed legal procedures
According to the prosecution, a network involving Milan city planning officials and private developers allowed certain projects to bypass legal procedures. Investigators believe public contracts were approved in exchange for disguised bribes, such as consultancy fees, to individuals including Marinoni and his former deputy, Alessandro Scandurra.
The inquiry also involves several private sector figures. Manfredi Catella, CEO of property investment firm Coima, is accused of corruption and undue inducement. Prosecutors have requested house arrest. Catella is expected to submit a written defence with extensive documentation arguing that he acted within the bounds of his legal rights as a business executive.
Also questioned were Federico Pella, a former manager at J+S, for whom prosecutors have requested jail time, and Andrea Bezziccheri of Bluestone, likewise under investigation for corruption. Bezziccheri’s questioning took place in the afternoon. Scandurra, also facing charges of corruption and falsification, was the final figure scheduled for questioning.
The investigation has drawn attention to the handling of several high-profile development projects, including the Pirellino-Torre Botanica. Prosecutors are examining whether undue pressure was applied—potentially involving Tancredi, Marinoni, Catella, and architect Stefano Boeri—to secure favourable opinions from the Landscape Commission.
Defence teams argue that any such interactions were legal and transparent. Tancredi and other former officials have stated that the commission followed ethical protocols and that members recused themselves in the event of any conflict of interest. Prosecutors, however, claim these declarations were false and that hidden agreements allowed companies to gain project approval through covert payments.
