A scandal of unprecedented proportions has shaken South Tyrol and the neighboring Trentino: the Trento public prosecutor's office is investigating a total of 77 people for alleged corruption, construction speculation and criminal activities. The network of suspects includes prominent entrepreneurs, officials and public administrators. Josef Gostner, the head of the SkyAlps airline, and René Benko, one of the best-known real estate investors in Europe, are two of the most prominent names in the spotlight of the judiciary. The investigations cast a dark light on a network that has allegedly grown over the years and is said to have infiltrated the construction industry and public administration in South Tyrol and Trentino. According to the Trento public prosecutor's office, the group's influence reached the highest levels of decision-makers. Corruption and illegal agreements are said to have played a central role in the implementation of major projects. A central point of the allegations concerns René Benko, who was identified as the head of a criminal organization. Together with Heinz Peter Hager, a tax consultant from Bolzano and CEO of the Laura Private Foundation named after Benko's daughter, and Paolo Signoretti from Rovereto, Benko is said to have pushed through property deals and construction projects, some of which openly violated applicable regulations. The projects in focus include the prestigious WaltherPark and Gries Village in South Tyrol, as well as the Cattoi site and a former hotel in Arco in Trentino. Despite numerous irregularities discovered by "honest officials", the group obtained the necessary permits through manipulation and pressure. Airport expansion under suspicion Another element of the scandal concerns Bolzano Airport, the expansion of which is also the subject of investigations. Josef Gostner, head of the SkyAlps airline, is said to have worked with Paolo