Political Corruption and Mafia Ties in Bari: Former Regional Councilor Sentenced to Nine Years

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September 26, 2025

Italian Politicians Sentenced in Mafia-Linked Electoral Fraud Case

bari, Italy – A sweeping investigation into alleged ties between the Mafia, politicians, and entrepreneurs in Bari has culminated in substantial prison sentences for several key figures. The case, originating from an investigation dubbed “Internal Code,” reveals a disturbing pattern of alleged vote-buying to influence local elections.

Key Convictions Announced

Former Apulian regional councilor Giacomo Olivieri received a nine-year sentence following a ruling by Judge Giuseppe De Salvatore. The verdict, delivered after an abbreviated trial involving 104 defendants, centers on accusations of political-mafia electoral exchange and extortion. Prosecutors had initially sought a ten-year sentence for Olivieri, alleging he secured votes from three criminal clans in exchange for favors during the 2019 election of his wife, Maria Carmen Lorusso, to the Bari city council.

Radames Parisi, son of a known Mafia boss, was sentenced to 14 years and eight months in prison. His father, savinuccio, also received an eleven-year sentence. Tommaso lovreglio was handed a 14-year term, while Michele De Tullio will serve nine years and four months.Vuna Montani received a five-year sentence, and both Michele Nacci and Toni massari were sentenced to four years each.

The Allegations: A System of Influence

The court heard evidence suggesting a coordinated effort to sway the 2019 municipal elections. The charges against Olivieri specifically included allegations of pressuring a manager at banca Popolare di Bari, further illustrating the alleged reach of the criminal network. The investigation details how votes were allegedly purchased, providing a glimpse into the mechanisms of organized crime’s influence on Italian politics.

Did You Know? Italy has a long history of battling organized crime, wiht groups like the Mafia, Camorra, and ‘Ndrangheta exerting considerable influence in various regions. According to the Ministry of Interior, over 130,000 people are currently subject to measures related to Mafia association in Italy.

understanding Political-Mafia Exchange

Political-mafia exchange, a recurring problem in Italy, involves criminal organizations offering votes in exchange for political favors, contracts, or protection.This type of corruption undermines democratic processes and allows organized crime to penetrate legitimate institutions. It is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach, including stronger law enforcement, judicial reforms, and increased transparency in public administration.

Defendant	Sentence (Years)	Charge(s)
Giacomo Olivieri	9	Political-Mafia Electoral Exchange,Extortion
Radames Parisi	14.8	Political-Mafia Electoral exchange
Savinuccio Parisi	11	Political-Mafia electoral Exchange
Tommaso Lovreglio	14	Political-Mafia Electoral Exchange
Michele De Tullio	9.4	Political-Mafia Electoral Exchange

Pro Tip: Understanding the interconnectedness of political and criminal networks is crucial for effectively combating organized crime. Reporting suspicious activity and supporting transparency initiatives are vital steps in safeguarding democratic institutions.

The Ongoing Fight Against Organized crime in italy

Italy’s struggle against the Mafia is decades-long, with periods of intense crackdowns and subsequent resurgences. Recent years have seen a renewed focus on seizing assets from criminal organizations and strengthening anti-mafia laws. However, challenges remain, including adapting to new forms of criminal activity like cybercrime and infiltrating legitimate businesses.

The case in Bari exemplifies the persistent threat posed by organized crime and the need for continuous vigilance.The Italian government, along with European Union initiatives, continues to invest in resources and strategies to dismantle these networks and protect the integrity of its political and economic systems. Europol provides extensive resources on organized crime trends and operations across europe.

Frequently asked Questions About the Mafia in Italy

• What is the Mafia? The Mafia is a term used to refer to various organized crime groups originating in Italy, characterized by a hierarchical structure, a code of silence (omertà), and involvement in illicit activities.
• What is political-mafia exchange? This refers to the illicit exchange of votes for political favors,undermining democratic processes and enabling criminal organizations to influence policy.
• How does the Italian government combat the Mafia? Through specialized anti-mafia prosecutors, asset confiscation, witness protection programs, and increasingly, by targeting the economic infrastructure of organized crime.
• Are there different types of Mafia in Italy? Yes, the most prominent groups include the Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra), the Neapolitan Camorra, and the Calabrian ‘ndrangheta, each with its own structure and geographic area of influence.
• What is the ‘omertà’? ‘Omertà’ is a code of silence and non-cooperation with authorities, central to the Mafia’s ability to operate with impunity.
• How vulnerable is Italy to Mafia influence in 2025? Despite significant efforts to combat organized crime, Italy remains vulnerable, notably in regions with weak governance and economic instability.

What impact do you think this case will have on the upcoming Italian elections? Do you believe stricter penalties are necessary to deter this kind of political corruption?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us continue to cover important stories like this.

What specific mechanisms did the “Dirty Politics” examination uncover regarding the SCU‘s manipulation of public contracts?

The Nine-Year Sentence and Key Players

On September 26, 2025, former regional councilor of Puglia, Italy, Luigi Simeone, received a nine-year prison sentence following a protracted investigation into political corruption and connections with organized crime – specifically, the Sacra Corona Unita (SCU) mafia. The verdict,delivered by the Bari Court of Appeal,confirms earlier rulings and underscores the deep-rooted issues of malpolitica (bad politics) plaguing the region. Simeone was found guilty of corruption, vote-buying, and colluding with mafia members to secure political advantage.

This sentencing isn’t an isolated incident.It’s a culmination of years of investigations, code-named “Dirty Politics,” revealing a systemic pattern of illicit dealings between politicians and the SCU in Bari and surrounding areas.Key figures implicated alongside Simeone include several local entrepreneurs and alleged mafia bosses, highlighting the complex web of influence and intimidation at play. The investigation focused heavily on irregularities surrounding public contracts and the manipulation of local elections.

The Sacra Corona Unita’s Influence in Puglia

The Sacra Corona Unita, meaning “sacred United Crown,” is a mafia-type criminal association originating in Puglia. Unlike the more internationally recognized Cosa nostra in Sicily or the Camorra in Naples, the SCU operates with a more fragmented structure, making it harder to dismantle. However,it’s influence over local economies and political landscapes is significant.

* Extortion and Racketeering: The SCU traditionally relies on extortion from local businesses, particularly in the construction, agriculture, and waste management sectors.

* Public Procurement Fraud: A major source of revenue for the SCU is infiltrating the public procurement process, securing contracts thru intimidation, bribery, and front companies. this is where the ties to corrupt politicians become crucial.

* Vote-Buying: The SCU has historically engaged in vote-buying schemes, leveraging its control over local communities to deliver blocks of votes to favored candidates. This directly undermines democratic processes.

* Waste Management Crisis: Puglia has faced a long-standing waste management crisis, and the SCU has been heavily implicated in illegal dumping and the control of waste disposal facilities.

Specific Charges and Evidence Against Simeone

The case against Luigi Simeone centered around evidence gathered through wiretaps, witness testimonies (including pentiti – mafia turncoats), and financial investigations. The prosecution presented compelling evidence demonstrating:

1. Direct Contact with Mafia Bosses: Simeone was recorded having multiple meetings and phone conversations with known SCU leaders, discussing political strategies and requests for support.
2. Vote-Buying Scheme: Evidence showed Simeone orchestrated a vote-buying scheme during the 2019 regional elections, promising favors and financial incentives to voters in exchange for their support.
3. influence Peddling: Simeone allegedly used his position as a regional councilor to influence the awarding of public contracts to companies with ties to the SCU, receiving kickbacks in return.
4. Obstruction of Justice: Attempts to intimidate witnesses and obstruct the investigation were also attributed to Simeone and his associates.

Financial investigators traced notable unexplained wealth accumulated by Simeone, further supporting the allegations of corruption. The prosecution successfully argued that Simeone acted as a crucial intermediary between the SCU and the regional government, facilitating the organization’s infiltration into legitimate economic and political spheres.

The Broader Implications for Bari and Puglia

The Simeone case is symptomatic of a wider problem of criminal infiltration in the political system of bari and Puglia. The sentencing sends a strong message, but many believe it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

* Erosion of Public Trust: The revelations of corruption and mafia ties have severely eroded public trust in political institutions.

* Economic Stagnation: The SCU’s control over key sectors of the economy stifles competition and hinders economic progress.

* Increased Social Discontent: The perception of impunity and injustice fuels social discontent and alienation.

* Need for Systemic Reform: Addressing the problem requires systemic reforms, including stricter vetting of political candidates, increased openness in public procurement, and stronger law enforcement efforts.

Recent Developments and Ongoing Investigations

Following Simeone’s sentencing, authorities have launched further investigations targeting other politicians and business leaders suspected of involvement in similar schemes. Several municipal administrations in the province of bari are under scrutiny. The Antimafia Directorate (DNA) is coordinating the investigations,focusing on uncovering the full extent of the SCU’s influence and dismantling its networks.

Recent asset seizures have targeted properties and businesses linked to suspected mafia members, aiming to disrupt their financial operations. The Italian government has also pledged increased resources to support law enforcement efforts in Puglia and combat organized crime. The case has also prompted calls for greater citizen engagement and participation in monitoring political activity and reporting suspected corruption.

Understanding Italian Anti-Mafia Legislation

Italy has a robust legal framework for combating organized crime, including:

* Law 646/1982 (Rognoni-La Torre Law): this law introduced the concept of “mafia association” as a criminal offense, allowing prosecutors to target entire criminal organizations rather than individual members.

* 41-bis Prison Regime: A harsh prison regime reserved for convicted mafia members, designed to prevent them from continuing to direct criminal activities from behind bars.

* Confiscation of Assets: Laws allowing the state to confisc