Naples, extortion at the Maddalena market: 10 convictions for the Mazzarella clan

Naples – The appeal trial against the Mazzarella clan, led by female boss Antonietta Virenti, widow of the godfather Vincenzo Mazzarella , known as 'o pazzo , who died in prison in 2018 while serving a life sentence, and mother of Michele Mazzarella , ends with a reduction in sentences.

The young boss, arrested in Pisa in December 2022, is also the husband of Marianna Giuliano , who in turn is the daughter of the repentant boss Luigi Giuliano, the former “King” of Forcella.

After the 22 sentences issued in March last year, for a total of over 200 years in prison, the Fourth Criminal Section of the Court of Appeal has re-examined the positions of ten defendants, recognizing in some cases mitigating circumstances and the obligation of continuation, for a total sentence of just over 75 years in prison.

For “aunt Antonietta” there was a significant reduction in sentence: she went from 12 years in the first degree to 8 years and months in the appeal. According to the informants, it was she who decided and imposed the weekly fee amounts to be paid to the managers of the stalls at the Maddalena market.

The investigation and the role of Massimo Ferraiuolo “Mortadella”

The operation led to 25 arrests in 2022 for extortion and illegal possession of weapons, with Massimo Ferraiuolo at the center of the investigation. Released from prison after serving a sentence for the murder of Giuseppe Ginosa, "Mortadella"—nephew of boss Raffaele Stolder and brother-in-law of Carmine Giuliano ("'o lione")—had reorganized the failing clan after his brother Maurizio repented.

Relying on Antonietta Virenti , known as "aunt," Ferraiuolo had become the mastermind of a racketeering system in the heart of Forcella. Around 200 street vendors at the Maddalena market were forced to pay a weekly bribe of 100 to 200 euros. A business that generated more than 150 euros a month.

But a black street vendor had reported the extortion , triggering the raid on December 5, 2022. The reasons for the appeal ruling will be filed within 90 days.

Here is the list of new convictions

Pasquale Sage – 9 years and 4 months
Gaetano Della Porta – 8 years and 8 months
Antonietta Virenti  – 8 years and 4 months
Gennaro Hood – 8 years and 4 months
Antonio Tubelli – 8 years and 4 months
Enzo Jartolo – 7 years
Salvatore Ferraiuolo – 7 years
Joan Romaniello – 6 years and 8 months
Leonardo Nisi – 5 years and 6 months
Cyrus Prestieri – 4 years and 4 months
Acquitted, however, Maurizio Virente and Alessandro Bilotti.

(in the photo from top left Pasquale Salvia, Gaetano Della Porta, Antonietta Virenti, Gennaro Cappuccio and Antonio Tubelli; at the bottom, always from the left, Enzo Barattolo, Salvatore Ferraiuolo, Leonardo Nisi and Ciro Prestieri)