Police also searched the home of Boraso, 56, the sources said.

Boraso was among two people taken to prison in relation to the case, with the other being construction businessman Fabrizio Ormenese, the sources said.

Seven other suspects were put under house arrest and 18 people are under investigation in total, including Brugnaro, his chief of staff and deputy chief of staff, the sources said.

The case against Brugnaro concerns the negotiations for the sale of the ‘Pili’ area overlooking the Venice lagoon to Singaporean businessman Chiat Kwong Ching, the sources said.

ANSA