Salvini's party under investigation, Prime Minister Conte publicly supported its members

(Patria) – Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has supported Matteo Salvini's right-wing party, which has been accused of seeking illegal funds from Russia.

Prime Minister Conte explained to the Senate that he still has confidence in this political movement, which is otherwise in coalition with the left-oriented 5 Star Movement (M5S).

The Italian judiciary has opened an investigation into possible international corruption following media reports that the League sought to obtain millions of euros through a secret deal with Russian oil.

'Currently, there are no elements that would diminish my confidence in all members of the government,' Conte said.

The investigation began after a note leaked from a private meeting held on October 18, 2018, at the Metropol Hotel in Moscow between Russian officials and Gianluca Savoini, a close associate of Salvini, which was published by BuzzFeed News.

Savoini and Salvini have denied the allegations, Euronews reports.