League undersecretary Siri probed

(ANSA) - Rome, April 18 - League Transport and Infrastructure Undersecretary Armando Siri has been placed under investigation in a Rome and Palermo corruption probe, Rome prosecutors said Thursday.
    According to prosecutors, Siri allegedly received money to modify a norm to be inserted into the 2018 DEF economic blueprint which would have favoured funding for firms operating in the renewable energy sector.
    The norm was never approved.
    Siri is alleged to have tried to favour a wind farm entrepreneur linked to Cosa Nostra, Vito Nicastri, in exchange for a 30,000 bribe, prosecutors said.
    The bribe was allegedly handed over by university professor Paolo Arata, an expert on the League's energy policy, and by Nicastri in Rome. Rome prosecutors said in their search warrant that Siri had used his public role for private interests.
    Siri said "I have no idea, I don't know what it's about. I must first read and understand. I have read names I don't know.
    I certainly am not involved with affairs that can have criminal effects. I have always behaved respecting the laws. I am tranquil".
    The leader of the League's government partner, 5-Star Movement (M5S) chief Luigi Di Maio, called for Siri to quit "for ethical and political reasons".