The Delmastro Affair: A Web of Connections and Allegations
The controversy surrounding Italian Justice Undersecretary Andrea Delmastro has taken a new turn as a wider investigation by Roman magistrates now focuses on a network of companies linked to the Caroccia family. The probe aims to determine whether these restaurant businesses conceal money laundering activities, scrutinizing the origin of funds used by the Caroccias to invest in the company associated with the restaurant at the heart of the Delmastro affair, and beyond.
Caroccia Family Under Scrutiny: From Mafia Ties to Restaurant Empire
Mauro Caroccia, who has a past conviction for mafia-related crimes in connection with the Senese Camorra clan, and his 19-year-old daughter, who owns the restaurant in question, are now under investigation for money laundering and fictitious asset registration. The focus of the file includes ‘Le 5 Forchette’, an Srl that counts the ‘accused’ restaurant among its establishments, and in which Delmastro himself was once a partner. The company was founded before a notary in Biella, where, according to La Stampa, a cash transaction of modest entity, yet to be clarified, allegedly took place.
Delmastro’s Dinners and Political Fallout
Undersecretary Delmastro has dined at the restaurant in question at least once, in the presence of the restaurateur with mafia convictions. The controversy has been fueled by photographs circulating, one from late January, showing him at the ‘Bisteccheria’ with a prison police unionist. Even more critically, Delmastro also visited the establishment with Giusi Bartolozzi, the head of the ministry’s cabinet, who recently drew criticism for calling magistrates an ‘execution squad’.
Opposition Demands Answers and Resignations
For days, opposition parties have been vociferously demanding Delmastro’s resignation. Angelo Bonelli, deputy of AVS and co-spokesperson for Europa Verde, intensified these calls, labeling it “a very serious matter that demands immediate resignation.” Bonelli pressed, “Delmastro must explain why he joined a company with Caroccia, a front man for the Senese clan. How is it possible that a Justice Undersecretary did not know that as early as 2020, the Guardia di Finanza and the DDA had concluded an investigation into money laundering involving that very activity?”
Valentina Ghio, vice-president of the Democratic Party group in the Chamber, highlighted “new and disturbing details” that “make the Prime Minister’s failure to take a stand even more serious and incomprehensible.” She pointed to “the alleged use of cash in the transfer of company shares and investigations into money laundering and fictitious asset registration that also involve a young partner, indicated as the sole administrator of the company.” Ghio urged Prime Minister Meloni to “report urgently and explain the reasons why she does not deem it necessary to intervene.” Riccardo Magi, secretary of Più Europa, echoed this sentiment, calling it “incredible that the Prime Minister minimizes” the situation.
Riccardo Ricciardi, group leader of the 5 Star Movement in the Chamber, directly criticized the Prime Minister: “On the day we commemorate the victims of the mafia, it would be good if Meloni said nothing, not until she keeps Delmastro in his place. We are talking about a Justice Undersecretary who dined with individuals linked to criminal organizations. There must be decency,” he added, referring to a post by the Prime Minister expressing solidarity with mafia victims and their families.
The Unanswered Questions
- How could a Justice Undersecretary be unaware of the alleged criminal ties of his business partners?
- What is the true extent of the Caroccia family’s business empire and the origin of their funds?
- Will the investigation uncover further connections between public officials and alleged illicit activities?
- What will be the political consequences for Undersecretary Delmastro and the government?
As the investigation unfolds, the pressure on Andrea Delmastro and the broader political establishment in Rome continues to mount, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability within public office.
Source: https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/cronaca/2026/03/21/grasso-indagini-in-corso-sul-caso-delmastro.-caroccia-padre-e-figlia-indagati_f4bc257f-16bd-45d9-af16-b861d861d5204e1a.html
