Equalize inquiry, first convictions for attempted extortion using mafia methods
The Milan prosecutor's office has obtained the first convictions in the strand concerning attempted aggravated extortion using mafia methods linked to the Equalize inquiry. Three defendants were convicted in summary proceedings, one reached a plea agreement.
Equalize inquiry, first convictions for attempted extortion using mafia methods
The Milan magistracy has recorded the first positive outcomes in the trial phase relating to extortion pressure characterised by mafia methods, connected to the inquiry into Equalize company. Public prosecutor Francesco De Tommasi secured four rulings in his favour, all with recognition of the mafia aggravating factor.
In summary proceedings, Judge Tiziana Landoni sentenced Francesco Baldo to three years and two months' imprisonment. Cousins Michael and Nicolas Chiera both received sentences of two years and ten months. Fulvio Cilisto opted for a plea agreement, obtaining one year and eleven months.
The common element in all the rulings is confirmation of the aggravating circumstance under article 416 bis of the penal code. This result represents encouragement for the prosecution in view of the subsequent phases of the main trial.
The reconstruction of the facts concerns a system of pressure implemented to compel the Motterlini family, owners of G&G company, to accept a reduction of their credit claim against businessman Lorenzo Sbraccia. The latter, operating in the 110% superbonus sector, allegedly created a coercive mechanism through former police officer Carmine Gallo, involving former pentito Nunziatino Romeo.
According to the prosecution, the intention was to reduce the credit from 30 to just 8 million euros. Romeo allegedly played the role of intermediary and direct executor, assisted by Baldo and Cilisto, deployed by cousins Chiera and by representatives of the Barbaro-Trimboli criminal group.
During the trial, however, some pillars of the prosecution's case underwent revision. The Motterlini family's actual credit proved to be lower than the figure initially indicated. Anomalies also emerged concerning work carried out by G&G, with some works proving defective or never completed.
Source: Il Fatto Quotidiano
Source: Il Fatto Quotidiano - Cronaca