Naples – “You have to get right with your Vanella Grassi comrades”: these are the words that Paolo De Lucia, 62, allegedly addressed to the workers of a company engaged in renovation work in an apartment on Corso Secondigliano.
The man, uncle of Ugo De Lucia, sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Gelsomina Verde, was arrested on Monday on charges of attempted extortion aggravated by mafia methods.
Protection money demanded a few days after the inauguration of the anti-racket association
The episode takes on a particular symbolic value, as the apartment that was the object of the extortion request is located right in front of the headquarters of the newly formed anti-racket association of Secondigliano, inaugurated just seven days earlier. A clear signal of the challenge launched by organized crime to the State and civil society.
The investigations, conducted at a rapid pace by the agents of the Secondigliano police station and coordinated by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA), led to the arrest of Paolo De Lucia in his home.
During the preliminary hearing, the man, assisted by the lawyer Salvatore D'Antonio, partially admitted the facts, but denied the involvement of the clan and the request for money on its behalf.
Previous arrest for extortion
This is not the first time that Paolo De Lucia has gotten into trouble for crimes of this type. Four years ago, in fact, he was arrested on charges of having asked for “pizzo” from a merchant in Scampia, together with three accomplices. In that case too, the victim filed a complaint, just like in the recent episode.
Connections with Vanella Grassi and the criminal scenario in Secondigliano
According to investigators, De Lucia is close to the boss Paolo Esposito, a leading member of the Vanella Grassi clan that, together with the Abbinantes, competes for control of the drug dealing areas in Secondigliano and Scampia.
Despite the changes that have occurred in the post-feud years, with the Amato-Pagano and Di Lauro families having moved their interests to other areas, racketeering remains a profitable activity for the local clans, who continue to exert their influence on the territory.
In short
Naples - "You have to get your act together with your Vanella Grassi colleagues": these are the words that Paolo De Lucia, 62, reportedly addressed to the workers of a company involved…
- The man, uncle of Ugo De Lucia, sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Gelsomina Verde, was arrested on Monday on charges of…
- A request for protection money just days after the inauguration of the anti-racketeering association. The incident takes on a particularly symbolic significance, as the apartment in question…
- A clear sign of the challenge posed by organized crime to the state and civil society.
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
Naples - "You have to make amends with your Vanella Grassi colleagues": these are the words that Paolo De Lucia, 62, reportedly addressed to the workers...
Why is this news relevant?
The man, uncle of Ugo De Lucia, sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Gelsomina Verde, was arrested on Monday on charges of…
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
A request for protection money just days after the inauguration of the anti-racketeering association. The incident takes on a particularly symbolic significance, as the apartment at the subject of the protection money request is…
It is incredible how crime continues to challenge the State, especially after the inauguration of the anti-racket association. This episode shows how difficult it is for the authorities to fight against racketeering and the mafia.