Milan's urban planning storm: Mayor Beppe Sala is among those under investigation.

The Milan Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into a series of suspicious real estate transactions, allegedly involving municipal officials, businessmen, and, according to sources familiar with the matter, even Mayor Beppe Sala . At the heart of the investigation are alleged favoritism in the granting of building permits and changes to zoning plans. The investigation, still in its preliminary stages, aims to clarify any links between private interests and public decisions in the city's urban transformation.

Milan: The Key Players of the Urban Planning System Under Investigation

Among those under investigation are prominent figures in Milan's urban planning in recent years. Giancarlo Tancredi , now councilor for Urban Regeneration, was a municipal manager with significant expertise in construction at the time of the events. Giuseppe Marinoni , president of the Landscape Commission until April, is described by investigators as a link between institutions and real estate interests. Architect Stefano Boeri , implicated due to his influence on key projects, is believed to have had significant influence on the approval process for the projects.

Also in the spotlight is Manfredi Catella , founder and CEO of Coima, a key player in Milan's urban redevelopment. Other professionals, such as architect Alessandro Scandurra , real estate agent Andrea Bezziccheri , and manager Federico Pella , complete the picture.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, all of them, in different roles, contributed to a system geared toward favoring private operators, often to the detriment of rules and administrative transparency.

Milan's mayor, Beppe Sala , is also under investigation in an investigation into urban planning that has already led to six arrest warrants . Corriere della Sera reports this, citing two charges against him: false statements and undue influence.

The investigation concerns the appointment of Giuseppe Marinoni as president of the Landscape Commission and alleged pressure to favor the so-called "Pirellino" real estate project, promoted by Coima and designed by architect Stefano Boeri.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, a parallel system for managing construction applications, described as a "shadow PGT," had been consolidated over time, favoring private interests through tampered with opinions and privileged channels. Wiretaps reportedly contain direct references to Sala, who allegedly provided institutional cover for key operations .

The sale of the former headquarters of the Municipal Technical Services and the subsequent approval of the new Torre Botanica are at the heart of the dossier, which also involves Councilor Tancredi, architect Boeri, entrepreneur Catella, and other real estate figures.

Investigation into Sala and the Pirellino case: charges dismissed, tensions escalate within the municipality.

As reported by Corriere della Sera , Sala firmly denied any wrongdoing , complaining first and foremost about the way in which he learned of the investigation: he expressed strong disappointment at having received the news through the press rather than through official channels from the Prosecutor's Office, defining the method adopted as unacceptable.

Regarding the charges relating to the skyscraper, he explained that the property had been sold in 2019, but that, years later, no construction work had ever begun. He emphasized that there had been no unlawful pressure from the Municipality, but rather constant discussions with the opposing party, without ever reaching an agreement on the procedures for intervention. The legal dispute between Palazzo Marino and Coima is ongoing , with the latest step being an appeal to the Council of State by the purchasing company, which has even requested the appointment of a commissioner to enforce the previous provisions.

Regarding Marinoni's appointment , Sala reiterated that the composition of the Landscape Commission is not the mayor's prerogative, but is overseen by a technical body within the Municipality, which is responsible for selecting and appointing its members. He also stated that he has never had personal contact with Marinoni.

Regarding Councilor Tancredi 's position, a decision is expected in the coming days, as he is still consulting with his lawyers before taking any action. Manfredi Catella also expressed his position in a statement, declaring that Coima has cooperated fully with the authorities and conducted internal checks, believing it can demonstrate the legality of its actions. He reiterated the group's commitment to transparency and legality, ensuring that these principles will be firmly upheld in court.

Finally, architect Stefano Boeri stated that he was confident in the integrity of his firm's work, regarding a project—the so-called Botanical Tower—that had long been shelved. He expressed confidence that the judiciary would soon be able to clarify his complete innocence in the allegations against him.