Molise Governor Francesco Roberti (Forza Italia) is under investigation for corruption in a probe led by the Campobasso District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA). The investigation involves 47 suspects who recently received notification of its conclusion.
Roberti confirmed his involvement after persistent rumours circulated. His wife is also under investigation.
“The matter in question does not concern my role as President of the Regional Council of Molise; it concerns activities prior to my election. I would like to point out that on my part there has always been correct and law-abiding behaviour,” said Roberti regarding the investigation.
“I am ready to provide the judiciary with all the necessary useful information,” he continued. “This will shed light on every aspect so that full clarity is achieved. Within the 20 days foreseen, I will provide every useful detail to ensure that this situation can be resolved quickly to confirm the correctness of my actions.”
Roberti, assisted by lawyers Mariano Prencipe and Michele Marone, has requested to be heard “for any useful information aimed at closing this situation.”
“I will continue to carry out my work with the utmost seriousness and serenity,” he concluded. “As always, I have full confidence in the work of the judiciary.”
Investigation concerns alleged waste dumping
Investigative sources confirm that the probe involves 45 people and two companies. It focuses on alleged waste dumping in Molise and Puglia. According to La Repubblica, Roberti and his wife are being investigated in connection with public contracts.
Campobasso State Attorneys allege that between 2020 and 2023 Roberti accepted money for himself and his wife. At that time, he was president of Campobasso’s province. This allegedly in exchange for favours granted to the company Energia Pulita, where he was an administrator. He was also serving as mayor of Termoli at the time.
The charges against those investigated include extortion, illicit waste dumping, and auction rigging. Part of the probe, which does not involve Roberti, examined alleged business connections between crime syndicates in Puglia and Molise between 2019 and 2021.
In January, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Italy failed to protect residents in Campania’s ‘Land of Fires’. It is an area known for illegal dumping and burning of waste.
