The investigation into embezzlement and undue inducement charges against the former mayor of Avellino, Gianluca Festa, has led to the arrest of several individuals including an architect, Fabio Guerriero, a municipal councilor’s brother and a municipal manager. Festa is linked to a Serie B basketball team which is at the center of the investigation.
The focus of the investigation is on Festa’s efforts to secure sponsorships for the basketball team from companies that had received contracts and assignments from the Municipality of Avellino. This has led investigators to suspect that there may be a criminal association involved. Despite his passion for basketball, Festa’s efforts to save the bankrupt team in Avellino are now under scrutiny in relation to these alleged crimes.
Following the searches and arrests, Festa expressed his belief that there was no wrongdoing and that the investigations would not lead to any substantial findings. He stated that the accusations were unfounded and that he and his associates were prepared to cooperate fully with the investigations. Despite facing legal challenges, Festa remains optimistic about the outcome and maintains his innocence.
Festa, along with others, now faces charges of corruption, criminal association, public disturbance and forgery of public documents in relation to contracts directed towards the Municipality of Avellino and financial connections to companies supporting the basketball club. As legal proceedings progress, Festa and his associates are committed to defending their integrity and reputation while cooperating with authorities to clear their names.
