He served as a deputy brigadier, yet he engaged in a different venture together with his spouse, selling vehicles.
In a recent development, a 43-year-old vice-brigadier from the Carabinieri, residing in Valle d'Aosta, has been condemned for engaging in commercial activity without authorization. The man, who was working with his wife in a "car sales and auto parts business," has admitted to his activities to the military of the Financial Police of Aosta on April 7, 2023.
According to the Department of Defense Instruction 5500.07.R, active-duty personnel must obtain approval from higher authority before engaging in off-duty employment or business activities. In this case, the man's collaboration with the activity, registered to his cohabitant since its establishment, was considered a violation of this regulation.
The man's actions have potential implications beyond the financial repercussions. The commercial activity conducted by the man was not authorizable by his administration of origin, and it could potentially involve further charges related to unauthorized remunerated assignments.
The judges of the jurisdictional section of the Court of Accounts for Valle d'Aosta used the confessional statements made by the defendant as evidence for the improper activity. They also referred to the statements of the clients of the activity and the telephone numbers publicized on the internet sites and relating to the defendant's line.
The man's military profession, as per the military code of conduct, is incompatible with the exercise of any other profession, except for the cases provided for by special provisions. The man indicated his fundamental role in the exercise of the sales activity and the compensation received.
The man was condemned to reimburse 13,092 euros to the Ministry of Defense, corresponding to 50% of the profits of the company reconstructed by the Yellow Flames for 2022 and 2023. This amount could potentially increase if further charges are brought against him.
It's important to note that similar principles apply in other military forces, where prohibitions against unauthorized commercial activities by active members are common to prevent conflicts of interest, preserve discipline, and ensure focus on military duties. Violations of these rules may subject personnel to disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or other applicable military directives.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to military regulations and codes of conduct, especially for those in positions of authority like the vice-brigadier in question. The public prosecutor's office is continuing its investigation into this matter.
Despite the man's involvement in a car sales and auto parts business, which was considered a violation of military regulations, he may also face charges related to unauthorized lifestyle, finance, home-and-garden, and business activities due to potential conflicts of interest and implications beyond financial repercussions. The principles of adhering to military codes to prevent conflicts of interest, preserve discipline, and ensure focus on military duties are universally applicable across various military forces, and violations may incur disciplinary action.
