Michele Minchillo, a rising star in Italian cuisine, is embroiled in a financial scandal involving misuse of public funds.

Minchillo, who earned a Michelin star in 2023 for his restaurant Vitium, is accused of using equipment purchased with funds from PugliaPromozione, a regional tourism agency once directed by his late father, Matteo Minchillo.

The investigation, led by the Bari Prosecutor's Office, alleges that public money was funneled into personal expenses, including restaurant equipment.

The scandal has led to the seizure of assets worth 400,000 euros across several Italian provinces.

Minchillo, along with his family members, faces charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

The chef's restaurant, despite its accolades, recently closed due to insufficient public interest.