The Naples Flying Squad has made eleven arrests in connection with an investigation coordinated by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) into the alleged criminal activity of the Aprea clan, previously linked to the Cuccaro clan of Barra.
The suspects are charged with various crimes, including mafia-type association, extortion, drug trafficking, weapons possession, and use of communication devices in prison. The investigation was launched on March 20, 2023, following the murder of Francesco Pio Maimone on Via Caracciolo, also involving Francesco Pio Valda, suspected of being the perpetrator of the crime.
Investigations revealed that two groups of youths clashed near the chalets on Via Caracciolo over trivial matters, culminating in several gunshots fired by Valda, who accidentally killed Maimone.
Subsequently, on October 12, 2023, further precautionary measures were carried out against other people involved in the murder, accused of possession of firearms and aiding and abetting.
The investigations also revealed links between Valda and the Aprea clan, in conflict with the Cuccaro clan, and documented violent events between the two groups, as well as acts of intimidation and illicit communications between detained and free members.
Francesco Pio Valda is in fact the son of Ciro of the Cuccaro clan of Barra, victim in 2013 of a Camorra ambush following an internal feud within the clan. Following this event, in the following years, the Valdas tied themselves to the Aprea clan, in historical conflict with the Cuccaro clan.
Additionally, Valda’s sister was arrested for violating the terms of her house arrest by posting a video on TikTok in which she praised the mafia.
Research conducted by the Naples District Anti-Mafia Directorate has revealed an environment of tension supported by a series of violent events. Some of these are linked to the fight between the Aprea and the Cuccaro, while others are linked to improvised circumstances in which the Valda group has always found itself involved.
During the investigation, firearms were found and confiscated, and armed clashes between the two groups were documented. In addition, several acts of intimidation were recorded, such as explosions of homemade devices, in commercial premises. Finally, several conversations from prison were recorded, as the incarcerated members were able to communicate with those at liberty, giving various directives via smartphones illegally held in the penitentiary.
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