Napoli – The operation conducted at dawn today by the Naples Flying Squad, on behalf of the District Anti-Mafia Directorate, in the Pianura and Fuorigrotta neighborhoods resulted in 18 suspects and 11 arrests.
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The blitz brought to light the power dynamics of the so-called “new Pianura Camorra” and allowed us to reconstruct the ambush that cost the life of Antonio Gaetano, a 20-year-old killed in Mergellina in March 2023.
According to what emerged from the 200 pages of the precautionary order signed by the investigating judge of the Court of Naples, the recipients of the precautionary measures are seriously suspected, to varying degrees, of mafia association, murder, extortion aggravated by mafia methods, drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.
Also in prison is Gaetano's alleged killer, Emanuele Bruno, 23, known as "Recchiolone", who allegedly fired six gunshots at the young man while he was in a car with two friends, in the nightlife area on the Naples seafront. The victim died twelve days later in hospital.
The murder would have matured in the context of the feud between the Marsicano-Esposito clan and a new criminal gang led by the Carillo family, fighting for control of drug dealing and extortion in Pianura. The investigations also revealed that one of the historical leaders of the Marsicano-Esposito clan, although detained, continued to direct the group's activities using a cell phone illegally brought into prison.
Murder of baby boss Antonio Gaetano, revenge decided from prison
A vengeance order issued from prison has reignited the feud between rival clans in the Pianura neighborhood.
The provision, signed by the investigating judge Luca Battinieri at the request of the Naples District Anti-Mafia Directorate, brings to light new details on a settling of scores that took place within a ferocious and ruthless criminal context.
According to the investigations, the shooter on the night of March 12, 2023 was Emanuele Bruno, 23 years old at the time, considered by investigators to be "an individual of alarming social danger, despite his young age".
Nicknamed “Recchiolone,” Bruno allegedly shot Gaetano with at least six 9mm gunshots while the latter was in a car parked in a herringbone pattern. The victim, sitting in the front passenger seat, was shot as soon as he got out of the car. A 27-year-old friend was driving, who tried in vain to help him and who, subsequently, allegedly tried to mislead the investigation by destroying his cell phone and providing false information.
But the motive for the murder would be found in the relationships between rival clans. Emanuele Bruno, according to the investigators' reconstruction, would be linked to the Carillo criminal group, opposed to the Marsicano-Esposito-Calone.
From a prison cell, Emanuele Marsicano – believed to be a top figure in the Marsicano family – allegedly ordered the revenge against Bruno, using a clandestine cell phone. This dynamic is confirmed by some wiretaps and statements from collaborators of justice, who helped identify the alleged killer.
In addition to Bruno and Marsicano, the recipients of the precautionary measures also include the victim's father, mother, two uncles and a cousin, questioned by investigators shortly after the attack at the San Paolo hospital in Naples. Among those arrested is also Patrizio Cuffaro, considered the head of the Carillo group and already detained for a double homicide.
The investigation by the Flying Squad, coordinated by the DDA, provides a disturbing snapshot of the Camorra war that has bloodied the streets of Pianura for years, fueled by cross-vendettas, criminal ambitions and increasingly precocious violence.
The suspects in the investigation:
- Roberto Allocca (Naples, 5/12/1970)
- Beniamino Ambra (Naples, 5/2/1987)
- Giuseppe Ambrosio, known as Bonolis (Naples, 29/5/1970)
- Alfonso Bruno (Naples, 26/1/1978)
- Emanuele Bruno, known as Big Recchiolone (Naples, 4/5/2001)
- Antonio Campagna, known as Sasa (Naples, 14/6/1979)
- Rosario Castello (Naples, 9/10/1986)
- Giuseppe Ceci (Naples, 16/4/1985)
- Vincenzo Cuciniello, known as Blond (Naples, 29/1/1997)
- Patrizio Cuffaro (Naples, 22/7/1984)
- Marco De Martino (Naples, 4/10/2000)
- Mario Fiscarelli (Naples, 20/12/1982)
- Gennaro Gaetano (Naples, 14/3/1981)
- Salvatore Gramillo, known as Coconut (Naples, 15/11/1993)
- Luca Improta, known as 'o Niro (Naples, 17/9/2003)
- Salvatore Luongo, known as French (Naples, 3/12/1993)
- Emanuele Marotta, known as Pippone (Naples, 30/7/1993)
- Emanuele Marsicano (Naples, 6/12/1997)
The investigation confirms the extreme pervasiveness of the clans in the Neapolitan territory of Pianura and its ability to reorganize even after heavy blows inflicted by the forces of law and order.
Article published on 14 April 2025 - 18:19
The operation in Naples was very important for the city and for the fight against crime. But the situation remains very complicated, especially in neighborhoods like Pianura where the clans continue to operate without stopping. A more decisive intervention is needed.