When the former Banco do Brasil official was arrested in the city of Maranello, he was carrying a fake passport in the name of his deceased brother, as well as €15,000 and US$2,000 in cash, according to the authorities, reports Global Times.
Pizzolato was one of 25 politicians, businessmen and bankers to be sentenced last year during a corruption scandal that became known as “Mensalao” –meaning big monthly allowance. The court found that politicians from the Workers Party were using the bank to funnel regular bribes to members of the ruling party for their support on votes.
Pizzolato was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison, but was free pending appeal when he fled to Argentina in September, according to the BBC. From there he apparently went to Italy, where he holds dual citizenship.
The fugitive insists that the trial was politically motivated, saying he hopes to get another trial in Italy.Â
In a letter released by his lawyer, Pizzolato wrote that he was "unable to see a chance of having a trial free of political-electoral motivations... I have decided consciously and voluntarily to use my legitimate right to freedom to have a new trial in Italy, in a court that does not submit itself to corporate media impositions."
Brazilian officials say they will seek extradition, although Italy generally refuses such requests.
