The probe was opened after a number of associations complained about the contents of the book, in which Vannacci says gays are not normal.
The World Back to Front has become a runaway surprise bestseller in Italy for its comments against gays, feminists, Jews, migrants and other minorities.
News of the probe comes after Saturday’s news that Vannacci, 55, a former paratrooper commander, has also been placed under investigation by the defence chiefs of staff for suspected fraud and embezzlement.
The alleged crimes occurred during his time as military attaché at the Italian embassy in Moscow.
The right-wing League party of Deputy PM Matteo Salvini wants Vannacci to stand for them in the June European Parliament elections.
League said Saturday the defence probe into allegedly bogus allowances and payments for parties and other events that did not in fact take place, among other alleged offences, was another example of “clockwork justice”.
As well as saying gays aren’t normal, Vannacci also espouses in his book the Great Replacement conspiracy theory about mainly Muslim migrants replacing ethnic Italians.
He also says only white people can be Italian, and lauds stand your ground self-defence laws.
ANSA
