FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
There is no end to the troubles for Stefano Boeri...
Stefano Boeri, a close friend of Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and one of the most controversial figures in Tirana's concreting projects, is once again at the center of a criminal investigation in Italy.
The Milan prosecutor's office has opened a new corruption and forgery case that has led to arrest warrants for six people, including municipal officials and construction businessmen. The name of Boeri, the famous architect of the "Bosco Verticale" and one of the creators of "Milano 5.0", also appears on this list.
At this stage, no security measures have been requested against Boeri, but the Finance Unit has carried out raids on premises linked to him, including three construction sites and a student dormitory. The charges relate to a series of abuses in urban development projects such as the redevelopment of the “Pirellino” complex, where Boeri is listed as the architect in charge.
Three open cases against Boeri in Milan
This is not the only case weighing on him. Boeri is under investigation in two other criminal cases in Milan, all related to public urban planning projects:
The “BEIC” Case: European Library of Information and Culture
In July 2022, Boeri was part of the jury that declared a project proposed by former students and his academic and professional collaborators the winner. The prosecution accuses him of distorting the competition and making false statements, due to an undeclared conflict of interest.
The evidence of the investigation also includes intercepted communications that prove, according to investigators, "prior agreements" to favor the winning project. Boeri has been banned from participating in public commissions for one year and from signing contracts with the public administration.
"Bosconavigli" project: concreting without permission
In another investigation, which is expected to go to trial in September, Boeri is accused of illegal construction and abusive lotting in the San Cristoforo area of Milan. The project involves the construction of a residential complex with 90 apartments on undeveloped land, without a detailed plan, without approvals from the City Council and with an estimated damage of over 5.5 million euros to the Municipality of Milan, as a result of the illegal reduction of urbanization fees.
Along with Boeri, municipal officials, technical directors, and private developers are also defendants.
The prosecution speaks of a corrupt system
The investigations into Boeri's projects are part of a wider operation that has been underway for two years by the Milan Prosecutor's Office. To date, at least 10 investigations into urban planning abuses have been opened, 150 projects have been blocked and dozens of construction sites have been seized.
In official reports, the Italian judiciary speaks of an "entire system of construction speculation, based on the manipulation of rules, conflicts of interest and falsification of documents."
What does this mean for Tirana?
Boeri is not just a name in Milan. He is also an undisputed figure in the urban model being implemented in Tirana by the “Rama” government, from “Skënderbej” Square to the projects for multi-storey towers. The Italian architect has often been at Rama’s side at international conferences and public visits, directly influencing the urban vision of the Albanian capital.
Now that Boeri is embroiled in corruption and abuse investigations in Italy, the question that arises is simple: Have we imported just the aesthetics of "Bosco Verticale," or also its darker practices?
Boeri: I believe in justice
The architect has denied all charges. Regarding the BEIC case, he stated: "I learned about the request for a trial from the media. I have full faith in Italian justice."
As for Bosconavigli, Boeri said: "I am convinced that everything will be clarified and that we have acted in accordance with the law."
The company Milano 5.0 srl, which promoted the project, also stated that it has collaborated closely with the institutions and followed the rules. / Adapted from “Pamphlet” by “ IlGiorno ”
Lini një Përgjigje