Naples’ San Carlo Theatre Under Scrutiny: Financial Police Seize Documents in Embezzlement Probe
The Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) raided Naples’ Teatro San Carlo yesterday, seizing numerous documents related to the previous administration’s financial management and appointments. This action marks a significant step in an investigation coordinated by the Naples Public Prosecutor’s Office into alleged embezzlement and potential financial irregularities at the prestigious opera house.
The probe, which began in April and intensified in late August, focuses on the period of Stéphane Lissner’s directorship. It’s important to note that Lissner, the French theatre director, is not currently under investigation. The inquiry specifically targets a series of appointments, some of which, according to various reports, may not have been in line with the Foundation’s statutes.
Dual Investigations: Public Prosecutor and Court of Auditors
The seized files pertain to the crime of embezzlement, currently against unknown persons, and are being handled by the public administration crimes section of the Prosecutor’s Office, coordinated by Deputy Prosecutor Giuseppina Loreto.
In parallel, the Regional Prosecutor’s Office of the Court of Auditors (Prosecutors Antonio Giuseppone and Davide Vitale) has been investigating the same aspects of the theatre’s resource management since 2022. Both investigative bodies are maintaining strict secrecy as they seek to confirm the alleged irregularities.
Allegations of Clientelism and Nepotism
One of the key reports that triggered the investigation was filed by Catello Maresca, a magistrate and center-right city councilor. Maresca has repeatedly raised concerns about the theatre’s management, particularly regarding hiring practices, appointments, and authorizations.
Investigators are now examining these concerns for potential confirmation, which could, at a later stage, lead to individuals being added to the register of suspects. At present, no specific irregularities have been concretely revealed.
Focus on Pandemic-Era Appointments and ‘Officine San Carlo’
A significant area of focus for the investigators is the creation of certain managerial positions during the pandemic, which, according to reports, were not explicitly provided for in the statutes of the Neapolitan Massimo. Among the documents seized by the Guardia di Finanza yesterday were also authorizations for the activities of ‘Officine San Carlo’ in Vigliena.
This structure, established within the Foundation, is located in the former Cirio factories in San Giovanni a Teduccio and was created for the realization of theatrical sets and staging. The hypothesis – yet to be proven – is that a series of managerial positions were created in various sectors of the theatre’s management through ‘ad personam’ appointments and competitions. These positions, which did not exist previously, may have led to a waste of funds, potentially to satisfy alleged clientelism and nepotism. These are all hypotheses that investigators are now working to shed light on.
Our Questions Remain:
- What specific criteria were used for the appointments during the period under investigation, and were they consistently applied?
- How were the funds allocated for the newly created managerial positions, and what was the justification for their establishment?
- What was the exact role and financial impact of ‘Officine San Carlo’ on the theatre’s overall budget?
- Will the investigations lead to concrete charges, and what will be the implications for the future leadership and management of Teatro San Carlo?
The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for the reputation and future operations of one of Italy’s most historic opera houses, as authorities work to uncover the truth behind the opaque practices of its past management.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_dicembre_12/napoli-la-guardia-di-finanza-al-teatro-san-carlo-e665e629-2635-430c-9274-fbca8ca13xlk.shtml
