The Anti-Mafia District Directorate of Trento has issued an arrest warrant for René Benko, an Austrian tycoon and founder of the Signa Group, as part of an investigation into an alleged business group capable of influencing major public administration decisions in Trentino Alto Adige, with a focus on building speculation. House arrests were ordered for Cristina Santi, mayor of Riva del Garda, and eight other people, including professionals, entrepreneurs and a city manager. The operation, conducted by Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza, involved 77 suspects, including 11 public administrators, 20 managers and officials of local authorities, professionals and members of the Police Force. The businessmen allegedly financed election campaigns in exchange for benefits and concessions for real estate projects. Charges include conspiracy, bribery, bid-rigging, illegal party financing and other crimes against public administration, as well as fraud and tax violations. More than 100 searches were conducted in several Italian cities, including Trento, Bolzano, Milan, and Rome, and also abroad through international cooperation.