PR Head of Troubled Italian Bank Found Dead

The head of communications for an Italian bank being probed for corruption and fraud was found dead last week at the bank headquarters.

Reuters, citing a judicial source, reported police are investigating a possible suicide.

The New York Times noted Rossi's death "adds an element of tragedy to a scandal that has had a devastating effect on the community of Siena, reverberated throughout European banking and played a role in Italy's recent political shake-up."

The 51-year-old Rossi led communications for Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the world's oldest bank which got a $5.3B bailout in January, and is facing probes after millions of euros are missing amid complex financial deals.

The Rossi's body was found beneath an open window at the bank Siena headquarters, a converted 14th century fortress, a month after he was among bank staffers whose homes and offices were searched by police.

In a statement, the bank called Rossi's death a "tragedy" and said the institution "pleads for silence as a form of respect."

The bank said Rossi fulfilled his role "with utmost competence and dedication, even in this particularly delicate phase," adding the "event, albeit tragic, renews and strengthens the intensity of our determination to move on in the journey that we have undertaken."

Banca Monte has about 4.5M customers in Italy.