Public officials, businessmen arrested in Padua

(ANSA) – Padua, October 21 – Eight people, including local and provincial officials, workers in an Army procurement office, and local businessmen in the northern city of Padua were arrested and face charges including corruption, conspiracy and abuse of public office, police said Monday.

Police raided 38 homes and offices early Monday morning to break up a suspected graft ring that has been under investigation since January 2011.

Police say many more suspects are still under investigation in the case involving public contracts for renovations of schools, offices, and army barracks.