Naples – An alleged criminal system aimed at influencing the awarding of public contracts between Campania and Sicily is at the centre of an investigation by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate of Napoli.
Thirty-four people are under investigation, on various counts, for crimes ranging from mafia-type criminal association to corruption, including bid-rigging and money laundering.
According to the prosecution's hypothesis, at the top of the system there would be Nicola Ferraro, 64 years old, from Casal di Principe, former regional councilor and a name already known to the judicial chronicles for a definitive conviction linked to his role as a contact for the Casalesi clan, Schiavone faction, in the procurement sector.
According to the DDA, Ferraro – even during his detention – maintained a leading role in criminal circles, becoming a point of reference for resolving conflicts between clans thanks to his silence with justice, which guaranteed him growing prestige in the mafia world.
After his release from prison, Ferraro allegedly returned to managing a complex system of relations with public administrators, entrepreneurs and mafia organizations, allowing infiltration into contracts in municipalities in the Caserta area and in healthcare facilities in Campania, with the aim of steering tenders and protecting friendly businesses from extortionate demands.
According to investigators, he also acted as a mediator with the Sicilian mafia, in particular with the Santapaola-Ercolano clan of Catania, to facilitate the awarding of contracts to companies linked to the Etna gang.
The prosecutor's office is targeting entrepreneurs, public officials, local administrators, and even Antonio Garofalo, 55, rector of the Parthenope University of Naples, investigated for a contract related to cleaning services. Several mayors from Campania are also involved, including Angelo Ciampi (San Giorgio del Sannio), Giuseppe Guida (Arienzo) and Luigi Grimaldi, a former politician from Frattamaggiore.
Ferraro is also accused of having influenced the free vote and the formation of some local administrations, thanks to the network of contacts and the influence he exerted on the territory.
The investigation, still in its preliminary phase, outlines a connection between politics, business and organised crime that would have allowed the alteration of public procedures to favour private and mafia interests, calling into question transparency and legality in sectors that are strategic for citizens.
Article published on May 26, 2025 - 19:54 pm
