Post #3009

🇮🇹Former Italian Ambassador Arrested Over Alleged Visa Scheme 🚨 Italian authorities have arrested the country’s former ambassador to Uzbekistan over allegations of running an illegal Schengen visa network for Russian citizens. 🛂 Prosecutors claim Piergabriele Papadia de Bottini took control of the embassy’s visa operations in Tashkent shortly after arriving in late 2024. 💶 Investigators allege applicants were charged between €4,000 and €16,000 for visas that normally cost less than €60 through official channels. 🌍 Authorities believe at least 95 Russian nationals entered Italy using the alleged scheme, with some reportedly bypassing mandatory embassy interviews. 📄 The investigation also uncovered claims of irregular procedures and potentially falsified documentation during the visa process. 🔍 The operation came to light after Italy’s Foreign Ministry launched an internal audit in 2025. ⚖️ The former diplomat has been detained in Rome and faces charges including corruption and facilitating illegal migration. Telegram /Site/LinkedIn