The Public Prosecutor's Office in Bergamo, northern Italy, is investigating – within the framework of “Operation Rainbow"– the suspected practice of granting Italian citizenship in exchange for votes."
The mayor of Treviglio, Juri Imeri, who is not under investigation, was named in a wiretap intercepted with the authorization of the court. “He would have promised her favors in exchange for votes "In the next election, their clients who had obtained Italian citizenship," reveals an excerpt from the conversation.
It is not clear, according to Corriere report this Monday (29), who are the interlocutors. The case is under judicial secrecy.
Elmonda Popa, an Albanian businesswoman, was arrested for bribing a police officer in the Bergamo Airport (also arrested) and aiding and encouraging illegal immigration. She denied receiving favors, but admitted support in the next elections.
During the custodial interrogation, Elmonda was asked about the matter by prosecutor Silvia Marchina and the businesswoman reportedly stated that the electoral support would be her initiative, denying the existence of the vote exchange.
The Albanian had an office in a property rented by Treviglio city hall, in Piazza Cameroni.
When contacted by Corriere, the mayor limited himself to commenting: “I'm surprised. And I remain, of course, at the disposal of the Judiciary, if necessary”, said Imeri.
Video shows Albanian woman handing money to police officer:
