Rome, 13 July (LaPresse) – According to the defence, house arrest with an electronic tag is a disproportionate measure in relation to the charges brought against Mario Adinolfi. This is the line taken by lawyers Pablo De Luca and Riccardo Di Lorenzo at the conclusion of the preliminary hearing held before the investigating judge and the public prosecutor at the Court of Rome. The former MP, journalist and founder of the Il Popolo della Famiglia movement, who was arrested last week as part of an investigation into alleged fraud and tax evasion, has rejected all charges and given his own account of events. “I continue to believe that house arrest is an excessive measure for a financial offence, especially when combined with an electronic tag,” stated lawyer Pablo De Luca as he left Piazzale Clodio. The lawyer reiterated that he did not recognise the typical elements of the fraud alleged by the investigators. “Everyone knew my client was a gambler,” he pointed out, emphasising that Adinolfi had even finished fourth in a world poker championship. “In 30 years, he has never received a report from a bank manager or the tax authorities regarding suspicious transactions. As his lawyer, I remain convinced that there is neither deception nor fraud involved; this is why I have requested the revocation of the measure and brought the critical issues contained in the order to the attention of the magistrates.” Speaking to journalists outside the Judicial Complex, De Luca clarified that “12 people have filed complaints against Adinolfi”, adding that “whilst many others, including some journalists, have all had the money they invested returned to them”. Before the investigating magistrate, Adinolfi defended the legitimacy of his business, maintaining that he had never deceived anyone. “I am not a swindler,” he stated emphatically during questioning. He then added: “I don’t swindle old ladies; I was running a lawful business. I am a gambler.”
Mario Adinolfi to the investigating judge: “I’m not a swindler, I just play poker”
Rome, 13 July (LaPresse) – According to the defence, house arrest with an electronic tag is a disproportionate measure in relation to the charges brought against Mario Adinolfi. This is the line taken by lawyers Pablo De Luca and Riccardo Di Lorenzo at the conclusion of the preliminary hearing held before the investigating judge and the public prosecutor at the Court of Rome. The former MP, journalist and founder of the Il Popolo della Famiglia movement, who was arrested last week as part of an investigation into alleged fraud and tax evasion, has rejected all charges and given his own account of events. “I continue to believe that house arrest is an excessive measure for a financial offence, especially when combined with an electronic tag,” stated lawyer Pablo De Luca as he left Piazzale Clodio. The lawyer reiterated that he did not recognise the typical elements of the fraud alleged by the investigators. “Everyone knew my client was a gambler,” he pointed out, emphasising that Adinolfi had even finished fourth in a world poker championship. “In 30 years, he has never received a report from a bank manager or the tax authorities regarding suspicious transactions. As his lawyer, I remain convinced that there is neither deception nor fraud involved; this is why I have requested the revocation of the measure and brought the critical issues contained in the order to the attention of the magistrates.” Speaking to journalists outside the Judicial Complex, De Luca clarified that “12 people have filed complaints against Adinolfi”, adding that “whilst many others, including some journalists, have all had the money they invested returned to them”. Before the investigating magistrate, Adinolfi defended the legitimacy of his business, maintaining that he had never deceived anyone. “I am not a swindler,” he stated emphatically during questioning. He then added: “I don’t swindle old ladies; I was running a lawful business. I am a gambler.”
