Italian tax police on Wednesday
entered the home of Francesco Vannucci, one of three Italians
including League associate Paolo Savoini who allegedly took part
in talks with two Russians at a Moscow hotel in October
allegedly about funding the League via Russian oil kickbacks.
The banking consultant told ANSA Tuesday he took part in the
October 18 Metropol Hotel meeting but that everything was "above
board" and there was no wrongdoing.
"I took part in the meeting at the Metropol Hotel in Moscow
on October 18 2018 as an expert banking consultant who has for
years worked with lawyer Gianluca Meranda," he said.
"The purpose of the meeting was purely professional and it
took place in the respect for the canons of professional ethics.
"There were no situations different from those envisaged by
the norms that discipline business relations".
An audio recording published by Buzzfeed allegedly shows
three Italians including League associate Savoini discussing how
to fund the League by siphoning off profits from Russian oil.
League leader Matteo Salvini has described an international
corruption probe against Savoini as "ridiculous".
Police said earlier Wednesday they were "assessing the
positions" of Vannucci and Meranda with a view to possible legal
action against them.
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