Italian Undersecretary Resigns as Rome Anti-Mafia Unit Probes Senese Clan Money Laundering

Rome's District Anti-Mafia Directorate is investigating Mauro and Miriam Caroccia on suspicion of laundering proceeds from the Senese camorra clan through the restaurant company "Le 5 Forchette srl," a business in which Andrea Delmastro Delle Vedove, a politician from the ruling Fratelli d'Italia party, previously held a 25% stake. According to investigation documents published on March 30, 2026, the two suspects allegedly "transferred and reinvested" illicit funds into the limited liability company in December 2024, with the aim of allowing the clan to "increase and strengthen its position in the territory through the control of economic activities." The alleged offenses — money laundering and fictitious registration of assets — carry a mafia aggravating circumstance, meaning prosecutors allege the activity was committed specifically to benefit the Senese criminal association. Delmastro resigned from his post as undersecretary of justice on March 24, 2026, the day after a referendum defeat, and is not currently under investigation. Mauro Caroccia is already serving a four-year prison sentence for mafia-type crimes committed between 2015 and 2018 and is being held in Viterbo prison.

Delmastro quietly disposed of his shares months earlier An updated asset declaration filed by Delmastro and published on the Chamber of Deputies website on March 28, 2026, traces the full chain of his divestment from "Le 5 Forchette srl." According to the document, on December 16, 2024, Delmastro held a 25% stake in the company as one of six founding partners. On November 3, 2025, he is listed as a 100% partner in a separate entity, G&G srl. On November 24, 2025, his entire stake in "Le 5 Forchette srl" was transferred to G&G srl, and on February 27, 2026, the indirect shareholding held through G&G srl in "Le 5 Forchette srl" was also fully transferred. The company, incorporated in Biella in 2024, managed the "Bisteccheria d'Italia" restaurant on Via Tuscolana in Rome, where Delmastro was photographed in the company of Mauro Caroccia. Delmastro has stated he was unaware of Caroccia's final criminal conviction at the time of their business association.

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Defense lawyers challenge the scope of the money laundering charge The Caroccias' lawyer, Fabrizio Gallo, rejected the accusations and said both clients intend to speak with investigating magistrates as soon as possible, with the first interrogations scheduled for the middle of the current week. Miriam Caroccia, described in the founding deed as the company's sole director and main shareholder, is 19 years old and has previously stated she was unaware she was formally listed as the company's owner. Gallo raised a pointed legal question about the scope of the investigation. „We reject the accusations, but if there is money laundering, why does it concern only the Caroccias and not all the partners?” — Fabrizio Gallo via Open The lawyer also told Open that Caroccia would explain to prosecutors "when and how he met Delmastro," adding that their acquaintance and cordial relationship appeared evident. According to the defense, the restaurant suffered financial difficulties, including two arson attacks attributed to clan threats, and the capital invested was described as negligible. Gallo said documentary evidence would be presented to show the origin of the funds used to operate the business.

Parliamentary Anti-Mafia Commission moves to summon Delmastro The bureau of the Parliamentary Anti-Mafia Commission unanimously approved the launch of a cycle of hearings related to the Delmastro affair and the broader investigation into the Senese clan. The Commission announced it would request testimony from the Rome Prosecutor's Office, law enforcement agencies including the police and the Guardia di Finanza, the Department of Penitentiary Administration, the Ucis, the escort service, and Delmastro himself. Commission sources noted that the decision was taken with the full agreement of the majority, including Fratelli d'Italia members, who also called for clarity on how sensitive details of an ongoing investigation reached the press. The Commission also announced a mission to Milan on April 16, 2026, during which aspects of the related "Hydra" investigation would be examined. The Senese clan, founded by Michele Senese, is considered one of the most powerful criminal organizations operating in Rome, according to the person registry. The clan has been the subject of prior parliamentary scrutiny, including through the "Affari di famiglia" and "Hydra" investigative strands already examined by the Anti-Mafia Commission. Mauro Caroccia was convicted for mafia-type crimes committed between 2015 and 2018, according to source articles. The affair has placed Fratelli d'Italia under political pressure at a moment when Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government was already managing the fallout from the referendum result that prompted Delmastro's resignation, according to web search results.