The investigation into Coliva began in 2014, when the ministry of culture received an anonymous letter suggesting that she was frequently absent from her office. As part of the probe, the museum director was secretly followed for two weeks to collect evidence, which allegedly shows that, on occasion, she would punch in to work before leaving to visit the gym. In total, she was absent from the museum for 41 hours over 12 days, according to evidence reviewed in court. At a hearing, Coliva said that the overtime she had worked more than made up for her absences and that when she left the office, it was usually on museum-related business.

According to sources close to the museum, the allegations against Coliva were made by a warder who was disciplined for touting tickets to a popular exhibition at the Galleria Borghese.