Gianluca Festa, the former mayor of Avellino, was arrested along with others in an investigation for embezzlement and undue inducement. The central focus of the investigation is a Serie B basketball team that Festa is linked to. Investigators suspect that Festa secured sponsorships from companies that had received contracts and assignments from the Municipality of Avellino, leading them to hypothesize the existence of a criminal association.
Festa had a strong passion for basketball and his efforts to save the bankrupt city team in Avellino are now under scrutiny in relation to the 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 legal challenges, Festa remains optimistic about the outcome and maintains his innocence. He is facing charges of corruption, criminal association, public disturbance, and forgery of public documents. The allegations center around contracts directed to the Municipality of Avellino and connections to companies supporting the basketball club financially.
Festa’s associates are also committed to defending their integrity and reputation while cooperating with authorities to clear their names. As legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen what will come next for Festa and those involved in this complex investigation into embezzlement and undue inducement in Avellino’s municipal government.