Three more suspects in Pop. di Vicenza (2)

(ANSA) - Vicenza, July 25 - Prosecutors said Monday they are investigating an additional three suspects in the bankruptcy of Banca Popolare di Vicenza lender. They were named as ex-board member Roberto Zuccato, who is currently the president of the Veneto branch of Confindustria industrialists association, Franco Miranda, and bank official Massimo Pellegrini, who was in charge of writing the budget. Former bank president Gianni Zonin and five other managers are also being probed in the case.
    Zuccato said he has no idea why he is being investigated.
    "I am certain I will be able to prove my innocence," he said in a statement. "I am at the disposal of prosecutors".
    Finance police searched bank headquarters in June.
    The bank is accused of pressuring clients to purchase Popolare di Vicenza shares and convertible bonds by making it a condition for issuing loans, mortgages, and other lines of credit.
    The June search followed on allegations that 975 million euros worth of shares in the bank were bought during the 2012-2014 period via Popolare di Vicenza loans, in breach of banking regulations.
    Banca Popolare di Vicenza is currently being rescued by Italy's new Atlante private-sector fund for weaker banks after a recent capital increase failed.
    An ill small saver committed suicide earlier this summer after losing hundreds of thousands of euros in shares in the bank.