Cinturrino Scandal in Milan: Prosecutor's Office Extends Investigation to Entire Police Station

The Milan prosecutor's office has intensified actions in the so-called Cinturrino scandal, which has transformed from a local incident into a serious image crisis for the Italian police. The central figure of the scandal remains agent Cinturrino, whose name became famous after the shooting in Rogoredo. Investigators are currently analyzing a recording in which the officer instructs a collaborator with the words: „If you find drugs, give them to me,” which is said to confirm the thesis of illegal seizure of goods from criminals. In response to these reports, from Monday, the head of the Mecenate police station will be transferred to the Questura, suggesting he will be held accountable for lack of supervision over his subordinates. Testimonies from drug dealers from Rogoredo paint a drastic picture of methods used by a group of police officers. Dealers accuse the officers not only of regularly collecting a „tax” on heroin sales, but also of using physical violence to enforce obedience. Prosecutors made an unprecedented decision to re-examine all arrests made by Cinturrino recently, fearing they may have served to eliminate competition for criminal groups „protected” by him. The accused himself, in conversations with his defenders, claims he has become the target of a massive smear campaign whose sole purpose is to discredit his previous effectiveness in fighting the drug trade. The Rogoredo district, known for the so-called drug forest (Boschetto della Droga), has for decades been a symbol of the state's failure in combating addiction and heroin trafficking in northern Italy. Despite serious criminal charges, toxicology test results for agent Cinturrino turned out negative. This fact allows ruling out the hypothesis that the officer was under the influence of intoxicants during the tragic shooting in Rogoredo. Nevertheless, the investigation now covers the entire sphere of influence of the police station, and the prosecutor's office is examining whether an organized group with a mafia-like character has formed within the local police structures. The transfer of the commander to the disposal of higher levels is a clear signal that internal control within the state police has failed at many levels, and the case is developing and may involve other high-ranking officers. „Su di me fango per screditarmi” (They're throwing mud at me to discredit me) — Agent Cinturrino „Se trovi droga me la dai” (If you find drugs, give them to me) — Excerpt from evidence recording Development of the Cinturrino Investigation: Scope of the investigation: One agent (Cinturrino) → Entire police station and 4 additional agents; Status of leadership: No disciplinary actions → Transfer of commander to the disposal of the Questura; Main accusation: Exceeding authority during shooting → Extortion, protection money and drug trafficking

Perspektywy mediów: Focuses on systemic corruption in the police and violence against migrants serving the drug market. Highlights the figure of an effective officer who may have fallen victim to a conspiracy by dealers seeking revenge for numerous arrests.