Italy authorizes extradition of former Banco do Brasil director

The Italian Minister of Justice, Andrea Orlando, has approved the extradition of Henrique Pizzolato, former Chief Marketing Officer of state-owned Banco do Brasil. Pizzolato was convicted in 2013 for his role in the case that became known as “Mensalão”, a political corruption scandal whereby Congress members received bribes to vote with the government.

The approval, announced Friday (Apr. 24), was confirmed to ANSA Agency by attorney Michele Gentiloni, who represented Brazilian authorities in the extradition case.

Pizzolato, who holds Italian citizenship, was sentenced by the Supreme Court to 12 years and seven months in prison in Brazil for money laundering and embezzlement, but fled to Italy on a fake passport. He was arrested in Maranello in February 2014 because of the forgery.

In February, the Court of Cassation in Rome overturned a decision by the Court of Bologna and authorized Pizzolato's extradition. The initial decision to deny the extradition was made on grounds that Brazilian prisons were not in condition to accommodate the convict. With the dissent, the issue was submitted to the Minister of Justice for arbitration.

Now, Brazilian authorities have 20 days extendable for another 20 days to arrange Pizzolato's return.

Translated by Mayra Borges