The spokesman of Monte Paschi di Siena who has been found dead was under pressure over an investigation into alleged corruption and fraud that has rocked the world's oldest bank, newspaper reports said on Thursday.

The tragedy was reflected on the front pages of many Italian newspapers.

"A suicide in the scandal of M.P.S," read the front page of Corriere della Sera.

"M.P.S David Rossi, Head of Communications Dead," announced Il Messaggero.

"M.P.S Suicide Shock," read La Repubblica, whilst Il Fatto Quotidiano announced "M.P.S Spokesman of Mussari Suicide."

David Rossi was found dead at the bank's Siena headquarters on Wednesday, lying beneath an open window overlooking a back street outside the building, a restored 14th century fortress.

Prosecutors in Siena are investigating whether Rossi, known as a reserved and serious professional, committed suicide, a judicial source said.

Rossi, who was the head of the bank's communications unit, joined the Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena's foundation, the bank's biggest shareholder, in 2001 as an assistant to then chairman Giuseppe Mussari.

When Mussari became chairman of the bank in 2006, Rossi remained his spokesman.

Rossi, who was not under investigation himself, was among several people whose homes and offices were searched last month as part of a probe into the lender's purchase of Antonveneta in 2007 and subsequent losses linked to complex derivatives deals.

Presented by Adam Justice

https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/monte-paschi-derivatives-damages-santorini-alexandria-443216