Today, defense work began in the preliminary hearing involving the Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, along with 16 co-defendants, including members of her family and three companies. The hearing is being held before the preliminary investigations judge (GUP) of Milan, Anna Magelli, and is part of a proceeding for false accounting related to the Visibilia case. This group was founded by the senator of Fratelli d’Italia, who relinquished her positions and shares in 2022.
Lawyers Federico Cecconi and Antonella Augimeri represent some of the parties for whom the public prosecutors, Marina Gravina and Luigi Luzi, have already requested a trial. Santanchè’s defense will speak at a hearing scheduled for November 25, while other lawyers will also present their arguments tomorrow. The GUP’s final decision is expected on November 26.
The investigations conducted by the Economic and Financial Police Unit of the Guardia di Finanza of Milan focus on three companies that allegedly presented altered balance sheets for a period of seven years, from 2016 to 2022. The apparent goal was to hide million-dollar losses and keep the Visibilia group alive, thus deceiving investors and continuing to generate profits from companies that were still active. This proceeding arose from a complaint filed by minority shareholders, including the entrepreneur Giuseppe Zeno, assisted by the lawyer Antonio Piantadosi. The investigation has already led to important developments, such as the civil administration of Visibilia Editore spa.
In the context of the current criminal proceedings, three partners have taken the position of civil parties. Out of a total of twenty defendants, the request for indictment concerns 17 positions, given that Federico Celoria, former board member, has opted for a plea bargain. Two of the companies involved, Visibilia Editore and Editrice, have already agreed on an administrative sanction. The situation remains uncertain as crucial hearings approach. The case not only raises questions about individual responsibility for those involved, but also raises broader questions about corporate governance and transparency in the industry. With public attention focused on this case, its outcome could have significant repercussions on the Italian political and economic landscape.
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