A raid in Naples' historic center found 30 violations, including tax evasion and commercial abuse.

Naples – A joint operation by the Local Police and the Guardia di Finanza has uncovered 30 violations, including tax irregularities, commercial abuses, and illegal employment in the city's tourist hub.

The raid targeted souvenir shops and commercial activities in the areas of Via Toledo, Via Chiaia and Via Pessina, areas that have long been at the center of controversy due to the progressive replacement of local crafts with low-cost imported products, often made in China or other Asian countries.

Control: tax evasion and abuse

The Finance Police reported 20 violations in 17 businesses, including failure to issue receipts and failure to file tax returns. The Local Police, however, fined six cases of illegal occupation of public land, four irregular signs, and failure to obtain a health permit for the sale of alcohol.

Furthermore, four illegal workers and five irregular employees were discovered, confirming a system of labor exploitation underlying part of the tourist trade.

The issue of "fake" souvenirs (and food)

For years, residents and artisans have been denouncing the disappearance of historic shops, replaced by stores selling Pulcinella masks, lucky horns, and statuettes of Vesuvius made in China, passed off as Neapolitan products.

The same goes for food: alongside the traditional fry shops, kiosks offering kebabs, noodles, and Asian dishes are proliferating, distorting the center's gastronomic identity.

The position of the institutions

The operation is part of a summer inspection program launched by the Prefecture to combat illegal activities and protect honest businesses. "It's a battle for legality and the protection of Neapolitan traditions," a Local Police spokesperson emphasized.

But for the remaining artisans, more drastic measures are needed: "We need regulations that limit the opening of these businesses," protests Marco Esposito, a ceramist on Via San Gregorio Armeno. "Otherwise, between skyrocketing rents and unfair competition, Naples will lose its soul."

Administrative sanctions could be just the beginning: the Guardia di Finanza is investigating possible criminal offenses, while the Municipality is considering specific ordinances to regulate trade in the historic center.

Meanwhile, the debate rages: some call for protection of local crafts, while others defend the "free market." One thing is certain: the challenge between globalization and identity won't be resolved with a single blitz.

Last week, the "Sud protagonista" group launched a petition to stem the spread of so-called "Chinese" shops in Naples' historic center.