Allegations of corruption relating to the granting of port terminal contracts, building permits and a beach concession have surfaced in the Port of Genoa, Italy.
Two parties have been arrested in conjunction with the investigation Paolo Emilio Signorini, former head of the Port of Genoa Authority and Aldo Spinelli, a major stakeholder in terminal facilities in the port of Genoa and also well known for his former role as owner of the professional football clubs Genoa and Livorno.
The Spinelli Group’s involvement in the port of Genoa includes operation of the Genoa Port Terminal, a container handling facility, and involvement in Terminal Rinfuse, originally a dry bulk handling facility. In 2015 UK-based investment firm iCON Infrastructure acquired a 45% stake in Lighthouse Italy Srl, the holding company for the Spinelli Group, which has been owned 100% by the Spinelli family since it was set up by Aldo Spinelli in 1963. In September 2022 liner operator Hapag Lloyd closed a deal to take a 49% stake in the Spinelli Group.
The Prosecutor’s office accuses Aldo Spinelli of paying bribes amounting to €75,000 to Paolo Emilio Signorini over a three year period to “obtain favours and resolutions” including the extension of the concession period for Terminal Rinfuse which served to significantly increase its asset value. For his part Spinelli has claimed the legitimacy of his donations stating that these were made not just to a single party but everyone. Roberto Spinelli, Aldo’s son, is also in the frame for corruption charges, in his case in conjunction the Regional Governor John Toti.
It is understood that the Spinelli Group has made comprehensive changes to its Board including a new President and CEO while legal proceedings continue.
Aldo and Roberto Spinelli and the other involved parties remain under house arrest at the time of writing.
