Doctor from Locarno region jailed, now four alleged victims

A general practitioner who had long worked in the Locarno region has been in pre-trial detention since early July. He is accused of sexually abusing four patients during manual medicine sessions, a specialization he practiced alongside his general practice. He had previously also worked for the disability insurance and is duly registered with the medical association.

According to the investigation, two women suffered intimate touching during the sessions that was not necessary for the treatment they had sought at his practice. With two other patients, the 61-year-old Italian national is said to have had a relationship and a consensual sexual relationship, respectively. Prosecutors consider that these two cases should also be regarded as victims, given the therapeutic context in which the acts allegedly took place.

The main charge is sexual acts with persons incapable of judgment or unable to resist. In total, four women, all adults, are said to have been exploited by the doctor since at least 2025.

Partial admissions and insurance fraud

In recent weeks, the doctor is reported to have begun partially admitting the allegations, both the sexual ones and the financial offences. During the criminal proceedings, several cases of fraud against health insurers came to light, the exact amount of which still needs to be determined.

The investigation, led by deputy attorney general Chiara Borelli, began after one of the patients came forward. The woman contacted the victim support service, which took charge of her case and put her in touch with a law firm. The criminal complaint was filed in early May and led to the doctor's arrest.

The case raises questions about oversight in the field of manual therapies, where the trust relationship between doctor and patient leaves little room for witnesses. The investigation continues, particularly to precisely quantify the damage caused to health insurers, and will require more time.