UAnother blow to Neapolitan organized crime, which loves to vacation on the Calabrian coast: a man believed to be close to the Mazzarella clan of Naples was arrested in Scalea, in the Upper Tyrrhenian Sea near Cosenza, where he had camouflaged himself among the numerous Neapolitan tourists who flock to the resort during the summer.
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The operation, conducted by the Cosenza Flying Squad on behalf of their colleagues in Naples, led to the execution of a precautionary custody order issued by the investigating judge at the request of the Naples District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA).
The suspect, charged with attempted extortion aggravated by mafia methods and the illegal possession and carrying of firearms in conspiracy, was aware of being wanted, but continued to enjoy his "holiday" in an anonymous apartment.
He was already enjoying his vacation
The investigations, coordinated by the Naples DDA and conducted by the Neapolitan Flying Squad between 2022 and 2023, have reconstructed the structure and activities of the Mazzarella clan, one of the most influential criminal organizations in the Campania capital and its province. The arrested man, who has long had ties to the clan, was identified thanks to intensive surveillance conducted by Cosenza officers.
For days, even at night, police mingled with tourists in an area known for its high concentration of criminals, particularly those from Campania, managing to locate him despite the limited information available. The arrest adds to a long list of operations targeting Camorra members vacationing along the Calabrian coast in recent years, with Scalea proving to be a favored haven for fugitives and affiliates.
The town, a summer destination for thousands of tourists, has become a hub for organized crime in Campania, which exploits the seasonal influx to remain unnoticed.
Article published on 12 July 2025 - 15:00
