Naples. Members of the Amato-Pagano Camorra clan trained minors to commit extortion, involving them not only as spectators but also as active participants in the operations. This detail emerged from the investigations conducted by the Naples District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA), which led today to the arrest of 53 alleged members of the so-called “separatist” clan, including top members.
Among those subject to the precautionary order is the infamous "Aunt Rosaria Pagano," considered the regent of the gang and detained under the 41bis regime.
The clan's use of minors, described as a "real training course," was particularly criticized by Naples prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, who expressed outrage during a press conference.
And among those who suffered extortion there were even "the house painters, which represents the Amato-Pagano clan wanted to control the citizens' breathing". This was stated by the prosecutor of Naples, Nicola Gratteri during a press conference.
Extortion also against painters
"Money is the result," Gratteri explained, "but the Amato-Paganos' goal is to display their power." The investigations into extortion, he explained to journalists, revealed a new development: the "pizzo" was imposed taking into account the victims' earning capacity. The clan's core business, however, remains drug trafficking: "They also had affiliates in Spain and Dubai," explained Claudio De Salvo, head of the DIA (Intelligence and Anti-Mafia Investigation) center in Naples, and Michele Carbone, director of the DIA.
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The luxury watch fad
The investigation," he stated with De Salvo, "has particularly targeted the top echelons of the Amato-Pagano family, particularly the descendants of the historic bosses who are still free, those who have inherited the sceptre of the criminal family." Furthermore, during the searches, a large amount of cash and luxury watches were seized.
The cash flows were also used for legitimate activities, such as buying and selling cars, with the proceeds used to pay the "mesate" (salaries) to their members. Another business of the Amato-Pagano clan was extorting protection money from construction companies engaged in work, partly thanks to so-called "bonuses." Investigators' investigations also revealed that the criminal organization was illegally appropriating vacant homes without any permits.
The use of TikTok and Instagram to "promote" the gang's image
Another significant aspect that emerged from the investigation concerns the clan's "systematic and constant" use of social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, to promote their image among young people, emulating corporate marketing strategies. Members posted content flaunting their wealth, showcasing gold watches, luxury cars, and a seemingly successful lifestyle, aiming to attract desperate young people seeking power and easy money.
"It is a new element," explained prosecutor Gratteri, "because in Italy the Camorra was the first mafia organization to use social media to self-promote. In the world, the first were the Mexican cartels, while the Italian mafias, after abandoning Facebook, now frequented by an older audience, moved to TikTok to reach young people."
Comments (1)
The topic discussed in the article is very serious and highlights the dramatic reality of the involvement of minors in crime. It is important that the authorities continue to investigate and intervene to protect young people from these negative influences, although it seems that there is much work to be done.