Italian Maurizio Cocco Released from Prison in Ivory Coast

Abidjan: Maurizio Cocco, an Italian businessman who was arrested in Ivory Coast in June 2022 and sentenced in May 2024 to 24 months in prison for tax fraud and criminal conspiracy, was released on Wednesday. In addition to his prison sentence, Cocco had been ordered to pay a fine of approximately £60,000.

According to Ansa News Agency, Cocco’s release was facilitated following discussions initiated by his lawyer. An Ivorian judge ordered a significant reduction in the bail amount set for his release in December.

After Cocco’s family formalized the payment, the Italian Embassy deposited the bail amount with the court registry, which led to his release.