Italian prosecutors have expanded the investigation into agent Cinturrino, accused of brutality and extorting protection money from dealers in Milan's Rogoredo district. By order of the authorities on Monday morning, the head of the Mecenate police station lost his position and will be transferred to the central command. Investigators are analyzing video footage and all previous arrests made by the suspected officers, checking the scale of abuses in this part of the city.

Dismissal of the station chief

The head of the Mecenate police station was transferred to the central command in connection with the expansion of the investigation.

Extortion accusations

Drug dealers testified that the police officer used violence and demanded fees for allowing their trade to continue.

Analysis of archival records

The Prosecutor's Office is reviewing all previous arrests made by the accused agent.

Negative test result

The officer's drug test did not show the presence of prohibited substances.

The investigation into the activities of police officer Cinturrino in Milan is gaining momentum, revealing dark undercurrents in law enforcement operations in the Rogoredo district. The trigger was a shooting in which a man died, but subsequent days brought much more serious accusations than just exceeding authority. Testimonies from local drug dealers and secured video materials suggest the agent may have created a system of extortion, demanding a share of goods or cash from criminals in exchange for protection. Questura decided to immediately relieve the head of the Mecenate police station, where the main suspect served, of his duties. The Milan Prosecutor's Office has decided to re-analyze all operations and arrests involving agent Cinturrino and four other officers under investigation. Particular controversy surrounds footage in which the police officer allegedly instructs a third party with the words: „If you find drugs, give them to me”. However, the accused's defense claims he is the victim of a smear campaign aimed at discrediting his previous successes in fighting drug crime. Despite serious criminal charges, the officer's toxicology tests came back negative, ruling out the version of him acting under the influence of narcotics during the tragic incident. The Rogoredo district, especially the area called „Boschetto della Droga”, has for years been one of the largest heroin markets in northern Italy, posing a challenge for successive governments and police forces. As the investigation develops, suspicions of corruption are beginning to cover a wider area of Milan. Prosecutors are examining whether an organized structure profiting from the black market existed within the police force. The transfer of the station commander to the provincial command's disposal as of Monday is a signal that authorities are seeking a full explanation of any supervisory failures. Local media indicate that testimonies from dealers, accusing police officers of beatings and collecting a „tax” from the drug trade, cast a shadow over the entire Milan state police. „Su di me fango per screditarmi” (Mud is being thrown at me to discredit me) — Agent Cinturrino

Perspektywy mediów: Highlights the systemic problem of police abuses against migrants and marginalized people in impoverished districts. Focuses on the fact that the accusations come from criminals and may be an attempt at revenge against an effective police officer.

Mentioned People

  • Cinturrino — Main suspect police officer accused of corruption and brutality.