ROME — Mario Adinolfi, a journalist and leader of the Popolo della Famiglia political movement, was placed under house arrest on Wednesday on charges of fraud and tax evasion, Italian authorities said.
The Rome prosecutor's office ordered the measure, executed by financial police, over an alleged fundraising scheme known as the "collective bet" — a private circuit that promised returns linked to sports betting. Prosecutors say the system, promoted by Adinolfi since 2005, caused an estimated €5 million in damages to participants. Investigators also allege Adinolfi evaded roughly €400,000 in taxes.
Adinolfi has been a prominent conservative voice in Italian public life, known for his opposition to same-sex unions and abortion rights through the Popolo della Famiglia.