Naples – They had stolen a car in Frattamaggiore and then asked for 2 thousand euros in exchange for its return: this is how two men aged 34 and 57, residents of Secondigliano, ended up in handcuffs on charges of receiving stolen goods and attempted extortion, as part of an investigation coordinated by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Napoli North.
The two, according to what emerged from the investigations of the Flying Squad of the Caserta Police Headquarters, allegedly carried out the so-called "return horse", an extortion practice that consists in asking the legitimate owner for money to get back the stolen vehicle.
The story dates back to March 2024, when a man from Caserta reported the theft of his car. A few days later, he was contacted by the two arrested who ordered him to pay 2 thousand euros to regain possession of the vehicle. After the first contact, the extortionists also contacted the victim's brother, arranging a meeting near the Asse Mediano junction in Grumo Nevano to hand over the money.
But at the appointment, under close surveillance by investigators, the victim's brother refused to pay and confronted the two criminals, causing them to flee.
Thanks to a thorough investigative activity, conducted through the analysis of telephone records, chats and the license plate of the car used for the extortion, the Police were able to identify and arrest the two men, against whom a custodial order issued by the investigating judge of the Naples North court was executed.
The operation represents a further blow to the phenomenon of the "returning horse", still widespread in some areas of the Neapolitan hinterland.
Article published on 4 April 2025 - 19:43
