Sorrento Mayor Massimo Coppola was arrested last night while accepting a bribe during dinner.
The Guardia di Finanza caught him in the act as he received €6,000 in cash from a local businessman. Investigators say the full agreed amount was €120,000, in exchange for awarding a public contract.
Coppola now faces charges of unlawful inducement to give or promise benefits.
Who is Massimo Coppola?
Born in Sorrento in June 1977, Coppola is a lawyer, husband, and father, nearly 48 years old. He entered politics young and was first elected to Sorrento’s city council in 2010.
In 2014 and 2015, he served as councillor for youth policy, crafts, and trade. In 2020, he became Sorrento mayor with 60.55% of the vote, backed by civic lists and the Democratic Party.
Despite early ties to the right, Coppola ran as an independent supported by local civic groups. He often used social media to highlight the city’s successes and his administration’s work.
Two days ago, he celebrated Sorrento’s ranking among the world’s top seven food and wine destinations.
Arrested at dinner
The arrest took place at a Sorrento restaurant where the businessman handed over the cash. Authorities found €4,500 on Coppola and €1,500 on his collaborator, named as Di Maio.
Investigators allege the businessman previously paid €66,000 in total, partly through Di Maio. Another €50,000 had allegedly been paid for a separate contract related to a municipal nursery.
The arrest forms part of a broader investigation led by the Guardia di Finanza in Massa Lubrense. Simultaneous raids targeted 22 individuals, including municipal officials and business contractors. They face allegations of corruption, rigged bidding, and embezzlement, according to prosecutors.
Officers seized documents, devices, and over €285,000 in cash, including €34,000 from Coppola’s home.
At another suspect’s home, €167,000 was found hidden inside a billiard table, authorities reported. Il Mattino described that suspect, Raffaele Guida, as Coppola’s confidant in illicit dealings with contractors.
