Avellino, Dolce Vita investigation: The investigating judge dismisses 22 suspects; former mayor Nargi is also acquitted.

The judge: "There is no reasonable expectation of a conviction." The main trial begins on April 24th with 26 defendants, including former mayor Festa.

Avellino Chronicle

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Rosaria Federico

February 27, 2026 - 16:25

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Avellino – There is insufficient evidence to support the charges in court: the investigating judge of the Avellino Court, Giulio Argenio, has ordered the dismissal of 22 suspects in the "Dolce Vita" investigation, coordinated by the Avellino Public Prosecutor's Office and related to alleged event sponsorships and direct contracts believed to be linked to then-mayor Gianluca Festa.

The provision also concerns Laura Nargi, former deputy mayor (and former mayor according to the original text), for whom the judge highlighted the lack of a "reasonable expectation of conviction."

The reasons for the archiving

In the decree, the investigating judge explains that, from the intercepted conversations, it appears that Nargi was informed by Festa, but without assuming any decision-making or operational roles related to the alleged crimes. Hence, the conclusion that the evidence to reach a conviction is insufficient.

Other positions also archived

Among those under investigation for whom the case was dismissed are the secretary general of the Municipality of Avellino, Vincenzo Lissa, and the deputy commander of the municipal police, Domenico Sullo, as well as entrepreneurs and event organizers.

According to reports, some individuals also failed to fulfill the basis for the illicit agreement, as they refused Festa's sponsorship request.

Nargi's defense: "Victim of the smear campaign"

Laura Nargi's defense attorney, Costantino Sabatino, expressed satisfaction: "Having established once and for all her absolute innocence," he stated, "it should be remembered that Nargi has always cooperated with investigators." He also emphasized that in recent years she had been "the victim of a veritable smear campaign."

The timetable: trial begins on April 24th

The dismissal does not close the entire proceedings. The trial regarding the main strand of the investigation, which involves 26 suspects, including former mayor Gianluca Festa (arrested on April 18, 2024, after resigning a few days earlier), will begin on April 24 before the Court of Avellino.