Milan Police Investigation Deepens Following Shooting Death of Alleged Drug Dealer
Milan, Italy – An investigation into the death of Abderrahim Mansouri, a 28-year-old man shot by a police officer during an anti-drug operation in the Rogoredo district of Milan on January 26th, has expanded to include four additional officers. The officers are now under investigation for allegedly obstructing the investigation and failing to provide assistance, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding Mansouri’s death and the initial police response. The case has sparked public debate and scrutiny of police conduct in the area, known for its drug trade activity.
The initial incident involved Carmelo Cinturrino, an assistant chief of the Mecenate police station’s investigative team, who fired the fatal shot. Cinturrino is currently under investigation for voluntary manslaughter. The subsequent investigation, led by Milan prosecutors Giovanni Tarzia and Marcello Viola, has focused on inconsistencies in the accounts provided by the officers present at the scene. Initial statements reportedly downplayed the presence of witnesses and obscured details regarding the officers’ movements and the timing of the call for medical assistance. This evolving narrative has prompted a re-examination of the events and fueled concerns about a potential cover-up.
The investigation gained momentum after several of the officers involved agreed to revise their initial statements, offering recent information that supports the theory of a deliberate act rather than self-defense. These revised accounts cast doubt on Cinturrino’s claim that he fired in response to a direct threat from Mansouri wielding a firearm. The focus has also turned to a replica Beretta 92 pistol, found near Mansouri’s body, and whether it played a role in the events leading up to the shooting.
Revised Testimony and Allegations of Obstruction
According to reports, the four officers now under investigation for obstruction of justice and failure to render aid allegedly attempted to shield Cinturrino from scrutiny in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Investigators believe they provided misleading information regarding the number of people present at the scene, their individual movements, and the timeline of events. Crucially, they are accused of delaying the notification of emergency medical services, potentially impacting Mansouri’s chances of survival. This alleged delay is being investigated as aggravated failure to provide assistance, given the officers’ duty to act as public servants.
The decision to re-interview the officers followed extensive investigations by the Mobile Squad and the Forensic Police, uncovering discrepancies and raising suspicions about the initial accounts. The officers in question – three who were involved in an earlier attempt to detain a Bangladeshi national and a fourth who was positioned behind Cinturrino at the time of the shooting – were summoned for questioning. Their revised testimonies reportedly corroborate concerns raised by the family’s legal counsel regarding a potential staged scene.
The investigation is also revisiting a case from approximately one year prior, where a Milan court identified “penally relevant conduct” and inconsistencies in an arrest report involving an alleged drug dealer who was later acquitted. The court’s findings, as reported by Italian news sources, are seen as potentially relevant to the current investigation, suggesting a pattern of questionable practices within the police unit. Il Post provides further details on this prior case and the emerging questions surrounding the events in Rogoredo.
Forensic Analysis and the Replica Firearm
A key element of the investigation centers on the replica firearm found at the scene. Forensic analysis, led by consultant Denise Albani, is underway to determine if any DNA evidence is present on the weapon and, if so, to whom it belongs. Cinturrino provided a saliva sample on February 17th to facilitate this analysis. The results of this analysis are expected to provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the shooting and whether the replica firearm was actually handled by Mansouri.
The investigation is also examining Mansouri’s background and alleged connections to a family believed to control drug trafficking in the Rogoredo area. Reports indicate that Mansouri had a prior criminal record, but the extent of his involvement in the drug trade and the nature of his alleged connections remain under investigation.
Broader Context: Drug Trafficking in Rogoredo
The Rogoredo district of Milan has long been known as a hub for drug trafficking, particularly among migrant communities. The area’s proximity to the San Donato Milanese metro station and its relatively secluded wooded areas provide cover for illicit activities. Local residents have repeatedly expressed concerns about the open drug trade and the associated crime, calling for increased police presence and more effective law enforcement strategies. RaiNews reports on the ongoing concerns of residents in the Rogoredo area.
The current investigation is not only focused on the circumstances of Mansouri’s death but also on the broader issue of police conduct and accountability in the fight against drug trafficking. The allegations of obstruction of justice and failure to provide assistance raise serious questions about the integrity of the police response and the potential for abuse of power.
Key Takeaways
- The investigation into the shooting death of Abderrahim Mansouri has expanded to include four additional police officers.
- The officers are accused of obstructing the investigation and failing to provide assistance to Mansouri after he was shot.
- Revised testimonies from the officers involved are challenging the initial account of self-defense provided by the officer who fired the fatal shot.
- Forensic analysis of a replica firearm found at the scene is underway to determine if it can provide further clues about the events leading up to the shooting.
- The case highlights ongoing concerns about drug trafficking and police conduct in the Rogoredo district of Milan.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to release further details regarding the forensic analysis, witness testimonies, and the potential charges against the officers involved. The next scheduled hearing for Cinturrino and the four other officers is currently set for March 10th, where prosecutors will present additional evidence and arguments. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for police accountability and public trust in the Milan region.
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