Naples – A devastating blow to the Neapolitan Camorra. The Naples Anti-Mafia Department, with its Flying Squad, carried out a major operation against the Mazzarella clan , one of the city's most powerful, placing 57 people under investigation and dismantling three separate operating cells.
The investigations, conducted by the Naples Flying Squad and coordinated by the Neapolitan DDA (Prosecutor's Office headed by Nicola Gratteri , investigation coordinated by PM Simona Rossi), led to the execution of an order by GIP Gianluigi Visco ordering the precautionary custody in prison for 18 people , house arrest for 2 and a ban on residence in the Neapolitan capital for another 5 suspects.
The various charges range from mafia-style criminal association to drug trafficking, from drug dealing to receiving stolen goods, to the possession of illegal weapons and the illegal possession of firearms. The investigations have shed light on the complex structure and operations of one of the two dominant Camorra cartels in the city and its province.
The leaders and families involved
Among the prominent names is the boss Michele Mazzarella , a central figure in the clan. Alongside him are several "colonels" from the Buonerba group , also known as the "Capelloni," who bloodied the alleys of the Decumani about ten years ago during the fierce confrontation with the Sibillo clan, the so-called "paranza dei bambini."
According to the DDA, a leading role was also played by Luciano Barattolo , the gang's leader after Michele Mazzarella's arrest. With the collaboration of:
- Joseph Del Prete
- Gaetano Galiero
- Rosary Ciro Mazio
- Ferdinand Spirito
- Achilles Liparulo
- Peter Uliano
- Giuseppina Mazzarella
- Emanuele Giovanniello
These are the men of the Mazzarella clan who are said to have controlled a large portion of the territory.
The areas of influence of the clan and its satellites
The investigations focused on three main branches of the Mazzarella cartel, each with specific areas of influence:
- Barattolo and Galiero Group: Operating in the area of Connolo, east of Naples.
- Buonerba Group ('Hip Hair'): Active in the historic enclave of Fork and in the heart of the old town.
- Nunziata Group ('Castagnari'): With operational base at Poggioreale.
Territorial control extended well beyond these central districts, holding several crucial areas in check:
- Sant'Alfonso District of Poggioreale
- San Giovanni a Carbonara
- Rione Luzzatti
- Fork
- La Maddalena
- San Giovanni a Teduccio
- The New Houses
- The market
- Porta Nolana
- San Gaetano
- Municipalities of San Giorgio a Cremano e arcade
- Much of theVesuvian hinterland.
Controlling illicit activities: drugs, weapons and extortion
The clan's leaders were able to manage all illicit activities, controlling drug trafficking and retail sales through a well-established supply chain. The drug dealing centers operated at full capacity, and drugs were sold both through traditional retail sales and through "delivery" arrangements, based on telephone orders to agreed-upon locations.
During the investigation, numerous seizures of cocaine, hashish, and marijuana were made , as well as packaging materials and cash from drug dealing. An unexpected logistical base was also discovered: a car wash , used by the clan to establish contacts with buyers and sell narcotics, and a building used for drug storage and packaging.
The investigation also revealed a large availability of weapons among the suspects, with pistols of various calibers seized. Finally, the management of the clan's common fund was reconstructed : the regent allegedly managed the illicit proceeds, particularly drug dealing, using them in part to support the inmates and their families. During the execution of the order, the documents containing the criminal organization's accounting were found and seized.
The pre-trial detention order also revealed episodes of extreme violence, such as a raid on July 25, 2022, targeting a man who had incurred a debt to the suspect Salvatore Rea . Nine people, after parading in an "armed rodeo" near the victim's home, attempted to break down the front door, accompanying the attack with an "unrepeatable sequence of death threats."
The clan also targeted counterfeit clothing sellers and drug dealers , who were forced to pay the gang up to 2.000 euros a month to avoid “problems”, highlighting the criminal group's vast extortion network.
The Camorra and its impact on society are a complex issue. It's important that authorities continue to conduct thorough investigations to stop this violence and protect the innocent citizens living in those areas.