Italian governor under house arrest over corruption allegations

An Italian governor accused of corruption was placed under house arrest on Tuesday, Fox News reported.

Italian journalist and politician Giovanni Toti, who has been the president of the Italian region of Liguaria since 2015, is under investigation over corruption charges that he took political favours in exchange for money to fund four local elections in 2021 and 2022.

Members of his team, including his staff, and several local Genoa businessmen who are involved with the city port are also being investigated.

In the absence of Toti, the regional government of Liguria has appointed the vice president to temporarily take over all the administrative functions.

In a statement, they said Toti had "always acted in the exclusive interests of Liguria."

According to Toti’s lawyer, Stefano Savi, "the president is serene and convinced he’ll be able to explain everything."

In addition, Toti’s chief of staff, Matteo Cozzani, has been accused of electoral corruption as well as of "facilitating the mafia."

Liguaria is a crescent-shaped region in north-western Italy. Its capital is Genoa. It has a population of over 1.5 million people. 

Liguania is famous for its beaches and mineral-rich soil. It is a popular tourist spot. The region is known for its herbs, wine, olive oil, and pine nuts, among other things.