Delmastro’s Restaurant Under Scrutiny: Allegations of Shady Dealings and Undeclared Interests Emerge
A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed Andrea Delmastro, who recently resigned as Undersecretary for Justice, following an investigation into his alleged undeclared business interests and a restaurant venture with a convicted Camorra associate. The probe, spearheaded by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA), is examining the financial dealings of ‘Bisteccheria d’Italia,’ a restaurant co-founded by Delmastro.
The ‘Employee’ and the Convicted Associate
At the heart of the scandal is Mauro Caroccia, an individual convicted of fictitious registration of assets and identified as a frontman for Michele Senese, a notorious Camorra boss. Caroccia, despite his conviction, was allegedly employed at Delmastro’s restaurant. A video from September 2025, now under DDA scrutiny, shows Caroccia brazenly announcing the opening of ‘Bisteccheria d’Italia’ in the Tuscolana area, proclaiming, “I’m back, I’m in the dining room now, this place is even more beautiful than the others.” This footage has reportedly surprised investigators due to its audacious nature.
The restaurant’s managing company, ‘Le 5 Forchette srl,’ was established just months prior in Biella with a capital of 10,000 euros. Delmastro held a 25 percent stake, alongside Caroccia’s 18-year-old daughter, Miriam Caroccia, who served as the sole administrator. Four other prominent members of the Fratelli d’Italia party in Piedmont held minimal shares. The restaurant’s logo, evoking right-wing symbols, and the presence of Miriam Caroccia serving tables in the video, further link the establishment to political figures.
Unraveling the Financial Web: Three Lines of Inquiry
The DDA’s investigation into ‘Bisteccheria d’Italia’ is pursuing three main avenues:
- Continuity with Previous Restaurants: Investigators are examining whether ‘Bisteccheria d’Italia’ maintained continuity with Caroccia’s previously seized restaurants. Caroccia was known for involving family members in his business ventures, and his daughter Miriam is suspected to be the latest in a series of frontmen.
- Undeclared Balances and Investments: The restaurant’s financial records, particularly its undeclared balances, are being scrutinized to ascertain the movement of funds, their origin, and the nature of investments made.
- Delmastro’s Share Sale: The sale of Delmastro’s shares to Miriam Caroccia for 5,000 euros, conducted through two intermediary companies, is under intense review. The suspicion is that Delmastro may have attempted to conceal his involvement in the srl within other companies he had not declared.
Peculation and Official Dinners
Adding another layer to the controversy are allegations of peculation. Photographs circulating show Delmastro hosting “institutional dinners” at his own restaurant, attended by high-ranking officials, including Giusi Bartolozzi, head of the Ministry’s cabinet. This raises questions about whether public funds were used for private gain.
Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability
The revelations have ignited a political firestorm. While Delmastro’s lawyer maintains that his client acted within legal boundaries, the ethical implications are significant. Opposition parties have been quick to demand answers, with the Anti-Mafia Commission now involved in the debate surrounding Delmastro’s future and the transparency of public officials’ dealings.
The case highlights a broader concern about the potential for conflicts of interest and the need for stricter oversight of public servants’ private business activities. As the DDA’s investigation continues, the full extent of the alleged irregularities and their impact on public trust remain to be seen.
