Forty-six local politicians, businessmen and go-betweens have gone on trial in Rome accused of corruption and, in some cases, of banding together to use intimidation similar to the Mafia's methods to gain control of city contracts for migrant shelters and other social services.
The still-expanding probe involves alleged kickbacks and bribes during previous mayoral administrations.
Politicians from the center-left and center-right have been indicted.
The alleged ringleader is Massimo Carminati, who has past links to far-right extremism. His lawyer, Gosue' Bruno Naso, scoffed at allegations violence was used to win contracts.
He told reporters before the trial began today there is corruption in all cities and that "this country is morally rotten."
The trial is expected to take months.
