The Italian data protection agency is under investigation by Rome prosecutors for alleged corruption and embezzlement.
Italian finance police searched the authority’s headquarters in Rome on Thursday, according to judicial sources.
The probe focuses on the agency’s internal spending and decision-making processes.
Officials Under Scrutiny
Prosecutors are investigating the president, Pasquale Stanzione, and three other board members.
Investigators are examining claims of excessive expenses and possible corruption behind regulatory decisions.
Italian news agencies, including ANSA, reported details confirmed by a judicial source.
Response From Leadership
Stanzione told reporters he was “absolutely serene” when questioned about the investigation.
He declined to answer repeated questions regarding a possible resignation.
The Italian data protection agency has not issued a formal institutional statement.
Political Reaction
The opposition 5-Star Movement said the Italian data protection agency had lost public trust.
Party representatives called on Stanzione to step down from his position.
No governing coalition member has publicly demanded a resignation.
Role Within the European Union
The Italian data protection agency is among the European Union’s most active privacy regulators.
It regularly assesses compliance with EU data protection rules, including AI platform oversight.
The authority often requests information or issues fines and operational bans.
These actions frequently affect major technology companies operating in Italy.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Investigating Authority | Rome prosecutors |
| Agency Involved | Italian data protection agency (Garante) |
| Officials Investigated | President Pasquale Stanzione and three board members |
| Allegations | Possible corruption and excessive spending |
| EU Role | Active regulator of data privacy and AI compliance |
