Overview

• Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and 33 co-defendants face trial referral requests in the 'Palude' corruption investigation by Venice prosecutors.
• The case involves allegations of bribery tied to the proposed €150 million sale of the polluted 'dei Pili' area and undervalued purchase of Palazzo Papadopoli.
• Ex-assessor Renato Boraso has sought a plea deal for part of the charges, agreeing to a sentence of three years and ten months and the return of €400,000.
• The investigation, supported by wiretaps and financial forensics, also examines urban development favors, including projects near Venice airport and municipal contracts.
• A May 16 preliminary hearing will determine the outcome of Boraso’s plea agreement and address 12 corruption charges involving three entrepreneurs.