Milan Officer Arrested: A Web of Deceit Unravels in Rogoredo Homicide
Twenty-eight days after the fatal shooting of Abderrahim Mansouri, a 28-year-old Moroccan drug dealer, Assistant Chief Carmelo Cinturrino, 41, of the Mecenate police station in Milan, has been arrested for voluntary homicide. What initially appeared to be a self-defense shooting has spiraled into a complex investigation, revealing allegations of a planted weapon, a delayed call for help, and a potential cover-up involving fellow officers.
The Unfolding Narrative: From Self-Defense to Suspect
Cinturrino’s initial statement claimed Mansouri had pulled a gun on him, prompting the officer to fire in self-defense. However, this narrative quickly dissolved under the scrutiny of investigators. According to the reconstruction by Prosecutor Giovanni Tarzia and Chief Prosecutor Marcello Viola, Cinturrino allegedly shot Mansouri when the dealer was unarmed. Shockingly, it is further alleged that Cinturrino then instructed a junior colleague to retrieve a replica Beretta 92 pistol from the police station, which was subsequently placed near Mansouri’s body to fabricate a justification for the shooting.
Forensic evidence has played a crucial role in dismantling Cinturrino’s story. Genetic tests on the replica pistol revealed the officer’s DNA but no traces of the victim’s, directly contradicting the claim that Mansouri had handled the weapon. This scientific evidence, coupled with witness testimonies, painted a grim picture of a premeditated cover-up.
A Fatal Delay and Collusion Among Colleagues
Further compounding the gravity of the situation, Cinturrino reportedly waited 23 minutes before calling for emergency services after Mansouri was shot. This delay, described as fatal for the victim who was still alive but gravely wounded, is believed to have been an attempt by Cinturrino to orchestrate the crime scene and coordinate his story with colleagues. Three male officers and one female officer, including an inspector, initially corroborated Cinturrino’s false account. However, under interrogation as suspects for aiding and abetting and failure to render assistance, they eventually confessed to the deception.
These confessions have opened a Pandora’s Box, with some officers also reporting instances of “irregular arrests” and “suspicious relationships” between Cinturrino and certain drug dealers in the Corvetto area. Mansouri’s family, represented by lawyers Debora Piazza and Marco Romagnoli, further alleged that the victim “knew Cinturrino and was afraid of him,” claiming the officer extorted “5 grams of cocaine and 200 euros a day” from Mansouri. These serious accusations, along with testimonies from other drug dealers and an anonymous tip regarding alleged protection offered to dealers in a building where Cinturrino’s partner works as a caretaker, are now central to the ongoing investigation.
The Official Response: Outrage and a Pledge for Rigor
The news has sent shockwaves through Italy, prompting strong reactions from high-ranking officials. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “deep anger” at the idea that the actions of an officer could “tarnish the work of so many men and women who, every day, protect us and defend our security.” She emphasized the need for implacability when an officer betrays their uniform and commended the State Police for their rigorous investigation into their own agents.
Questore Bruno Megale, Milan’s chief of police, stated that “elements of contradiction” had emerged early on and pledged absolute transparency. “We do not have to make corporate defenses for anyone, we take responsibility when we make mistakes, and in this case, we will be rigorous, very rigorous, towards those who have committed these serious crimes,” Megale asserted, highlighting the police force’s “antibodies” against such incidents.
Chief Prosecutor Marcello Viola echoed this sentiment, expressing “bitterness” but affirming the commitment of the Prosecutor’s Office and the State Police to rigorous investigations without exceptions. He confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, delving into the broader context of the incident and examining other alleged episodes involving Cinturrino.
Vittorio Pisani, the national chief of police, did not mince words, calling Cinturrino “a delinquent.” Pisani emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust and highlighted the integrity of the Milan police investigators for arresting a former member of their own force.
Unanswered Questions and Lingering Concerns
The arrest of Carmelo Cinturrino and the subsequent revelations have exposed a disturbing underbelly of potential corruption and abuse of power within law enforcement. The investigation continues to delve into the extent of these alleged wrongdoings, with many questions remaining:
- What was the true motive behind Mansouri’s killing?
- How widespread were the alleged extortions and protections offered to drug dealers?
- To what extent were other officers involved in the cover-up, and what consequences will they face?
- What systemic failures allowed such alleged misconduct to persist undetected for so long?
The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and rigorous oversight within public institutions. As the investigation progresses, the public awaits a complete and unvarnished truth, hoping that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to prevent such abuses of power from recurring.
