On March 9, 2025, Carmine Gallo, once considered Italy's super-poliziotto, passed away under house arrest, bringing to light disturbing details surrounding his involvement with Enrico Pazzali, the director of the investigative agency Equalize. An extensive inquiry is underway concerning allegations of cyber-espionage, unauthorized data access, and possible connections with high-level institutional figures.
Pazzali, who suspended himself from his position as president of the Fondazione Fiera Milano following the scandal's eruption last year, was suspected of orchestrated illegal access to Italy's police database, known as Sdi. According to the investigations, he allegedly directed Gallo to illegally access sensitive information about influential political figures, including Ignazio La Russa and his son. Gallo's refusal to carry out these requests marked the beginning of his uneasy relationship with Pazzali.
Initially, Pazzali allegedly instructed Gallo to conduct about twenty unauthorized accesses to the Sdi, stating, "this request came from 'a person to whom I cannot say no.'" Gallo resisted these demands, questioning whether they were connected to the allegations of sexual assault against Leonardo Apache La Russa. Gallo expressed concerns about the integrity of the request, reflecting on his moral compass—an instinct he evidently couldn’t compromise.
Gallo's testimony, heavily featured within materials submitted by prosecutors seeking Pazzali's continued detention, emphasized the alarming frequency of Pazzali’s connections with institutional figures. Gallo insisted on the integrity of the police force, as he stated, "I’m ashamed of the system of illegal access to the strategic databases," highlighting the corruption he encountered.
The investigation has unveiled pressing concerns about Pazzali's defensive network as evidence surfaced indicating his well-established connections with senior officials within Italy's intelligence services. Investigators uncovered troubling details during the inquiry, including Gallo's assertion: Pazzali's "hidden partner was the State,” thereby adding layers of scrutiny toward the overall integrity of various state apparatuses.
During the processes, Gallo's situation exacerbated, leading to his demise under dubious circumstances shortly before he was set to provide potent testimony. He reportedly died of natural causes, as preliminary autopsy results indicated complications from previous health issues. Still, the timing of his death—just before his key scheduled interrogations—left many questions unanswered.
Pazzali's operations, as detailed by Gallo, illustrated how intertwined private investigative endeavors can become with state structures, often overstepping legal boundaries. Gallo underscored significant incidents showing Pazzali actively seeking sensitive information, such as his requests concerning La Russa, where he probed Gallo for intelligence linked to active investigations. Gallo's reluctance to partake led him to confront Pazzali about the ethicality of those requests.
Adding to the unsettling atmosphere, Gallo’s attorney, Antonella Augimeri, faced intimidation. On February 20, 2025, she reported being threatened on the streets of Milan, where unknown individuals instructed her to advise her clients to alter their accounts concerning former Carabiniere Vincenzo De Marzio, deemed highly associated with the current investigation. Augimeri defended herself with pepper spray during the encounter, underlining the stakes surrounding this case.
Complicated layers of collusion and unspoken alliances surfaced alongside details about potential cover-ups associated with various governmental entities—emphasizing the potential dangers involved with whistleblowing within such environments. Gallo distinctly articulated the significance of ethical governance during his interrogations, remarking on how Pazzali managed to maintain clandestine ties with institutional supporters. These testimonies reflect chronic mismanagement and call for re-evaluated transparency within Italy's law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
While the investigation delves deeply, authorities continue to evaluate the integrity of its findings as more information emerges, including communications between Pazzali and members of the Carabinieri investigative units. Specifically, Gallo indicated Pazzali might have been forewarned of upcoming investigations thanks to interactions with Deputy Director Carlo De Donno of AISI, the Italian intelligence agency, alluding to serious breaches of confidentiality.
Allies and adversaries within the system seem to fracture, creating uncertainty about justice and accountability. Such dynamics also raise questions about the need for systemic reform to safeguard against such malpractices happening again. A community on edge according to Gallo, seeks answers and assurance of integrity restores trust lost amid vast networks of clandestine operations.
On the eve of significant hearings set for March 19, authorities are poised to testify about the severe misconduct uncovered and the fatal repercussions sparking widespread public ire. Questions remain as to whether Gallo's insights will be plainly reflected through investigations, encouraging officials to revive adherence to the rule of law and create checks and balances to avoid future transgressions.