Political Intrigue and Mafia Ties Rock Bari: Former Councilor Sentenced in ‘Internal Code’ Case
Bari, Italy – A former regional councilor in Puglia, Giacomo Olivieri, has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a landmark ruling in the “Codice Interno” (Internal Code) investigation. The case, which has gripped Italy, centers on allegations of widespread collusion between organized crime, politicians, and business leaders in the Bari region. The verdict, delivered by Judge Giuseppe De Salvatore, confirms accusations that Olivieri actively sought the support of local mafia clans to secure the election of his wife, Maria Carmen Lorusso, as a council member in the 2019 municipal elections. This case underscores the persistent challenges Italy faces in combating the influence of organized crime in its political processes and raises serious questions about the integrity of local governance.
The investigation, spanning 1,723 pages of evidence, has exposed a network of connections between the Parisi-Palermiti clan, operating in the Japigia district of Bari, and individuals within the political sphere. The probe, conducted by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) of Bari, relied heavily on testimony from collaboratori di giustizia – informants who have cooperated with authorities – including Domenico Milella. The court found that Olivieri didn’t simply operate within the bounds of normal political activity, but consciously participated in an illicit electoral agreement with figures embedded in the Baresi criminal underworld, specifically to garner votes for Lorusso during the 2019 local elections. The judgment highlights a concerning pattern of mafia infiltration into the democratic process, demonstrating a willingness to manipulate elections for personal and political gain.
The ‘Internal Code’ Investigation: Unraveling a Web of Corruption
The “Codice Interno” investigation extends beyond the vote-buying scheme, revealing the extensive reach of the Parisi-Palermiti clan into various aspects of life in Bari. According to the court’s findings, the organization was involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and arms dealing, while simultaneously exerting influence over local elections. Savino Parisi, known as “Savinuccio,” the historical head of the clan, and Eugenio Palermiti were both recognized by the court as being responsible for the associative crime. Tommaso Lovreglio, identified as a key liaison between the criminal groups and the operational dynamics of the scheme, also received a significant sentence. The investigation demonstrates a full integration of mafia activities with economic and social interests, painting a disturbing picture of systemic corruption.
Beyond Olivieri’s nine-year sentence – comprising eight years for three instances of vote buying and one year for attempted extortion, along with a €2,000 fine – the court handed down substantial penalties to other individuals involved. Radames Parisi, son of Savinuccio, received a 14-year and eight-month sentence, alongside an 11-year sentence for Savinuccio himself. Tommaso Lovreglio was sentenced to 14 years, while Michele de Tullio received nine years and four months, Vuna Montani five years, and Michele Nacci and Toni Massari four years each. RaiNews reported on the severity of these sentences, emphasizing the court’s determination to dismantle the network of corruption.
The Mechanics of Vote Buying and Political Manipulation
The court’s detailed analysis of the case reveals a sophisticated system of vote manipulation orchestrated by Olivieri. Evidence presented during the trial, including intercepted communications, showed that Olivieri actively engaged with intermediaries and representatives from the Strisciuglio and Montani clans, in addition to the Parisi-Palermiti group, to secure votes for his wife. The arrangement involved agreeing with Tommaso Lovreglio, a nephew of Savino Parisi, to leverage the clans’ influence in exchange for future political favors. Intercepted conversations demonstrated the participants’ understanding of technical aspects of vote management, such as split-ticket voting, indicating a structured and premeditated agreement. This wasn’t a casual solicitation of votes, the court determined, but a deliberate and organized pact.
The judge rejected the defense’s claim that Olivieri was unaware he was soliciting votes from mafia members, stating that the evidence contradicted this assertion. The court found that the intercepted conversations revealed a mechanism well-known to those involved in the vote-buying scheme. The court dismissed any political justification for Olivieri’s actions, emphasizing that the primary objective was the election of Maria Carmen Lorusso. Il Messaggero reported that Lorusso, 38, was already preparing to run in upcoming administrative elections in Bari when she and Olivieri were arrested in February 2024.
Infiltration of Public Administration and Economic Interests
The investigation also uncovered evidence of the Parisi clan’s infiltration into the economic sphere, specifically within the municipal transportation company, Amtab. The court cited testimony from a pentito (repentant mafia member), Nicola De Santis, who detailed how the Parisi clan imposed a clientelistic system of hiring within Amtab, effectively turning the company into a placement agency for individuals connected to the clan through family or friendship. This scenario was corroborated by numerous intercepted communications, confirming the existence of a clientelistic system fueled by Lovreglio Tommaso and De Tullio Michele. This demonstrates how organized crime can exploit public institutions for economic gain and consolidate its power within a community.
The case has sparked widespread concern about the vulnerability of Italian democracy to organized crime. The extent of the infiltration, as revealed by the “Codice Interno” investigation, suggests a systemic problem that requires a comprehensive response. The investigation’s findings raise questions about the effectiveness of existing anti-mafia measures and the need for greater vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. The case also highlights the importance of protecting and supporting collaboratori di giustizia, whose testimony is crucial in dismantling criminal networks.
Key Takeaways
- Mafia Influence in Politics: The case confirms the disturbing reality of organized crime attempting to manipulate democratic processes in Italy.
- Systemic Corruption: The investigation reveals a deeply rooted network of collusion between politicians, business leaders, and the mafia.
- Economic Infiltration: The Parisi clan’s control over hiring practices at Amtab demonstrates how organized crime exploits public institutions for economic gain.
- Significant Sentences: The court’s decision to impose substantial prison sentences sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
As of March 17, 2026, both Giacomo Olivieri and Maria Carmen Lorusso remain subject to legal proceedings. Olivieri is currently under house arrest, while Lorusso’s legal status is evolving as the case progresses. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 15, 2026, where further evidence and arguments will be presented. Readers interested in following the developments of this case are encouraged to consult official sources from the Italian Ministry of Justice and the District Anti-Mafia Directorate of Bari. Share your thoughts on this critical case in the comments below, and help spread awareness about the fight against organized crime and corruption.
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