Pozzuoli – A murder plot that failed due to a misdirection, a criminal power network that existed even behind bars, an entire family implicated in the mafia organization.
This is the disturbing picture that emerged from the 120-page precautionary order signed by preliminary investigations judge Rosamaria De Lellis of the Court of Naples, which ordered the arrest of nine alleged members of the Longobardi-Beneduce clan, a historic Camorra syndicate active in the Phlegraean Fields area. Four others are under investigation at large.
The measures, carried out by the Carabinieri, stem from an investigation that documented the clan's full operations from December 2021 until at least 2024, with particular roots in the Monteruscello and Toiano neighborhoods. Among the crimes charged: drug trafficking, extortion, threats, beatings, and attempted murder.
The "spinner" to be killed, but they forget the keys and the repentant's story
Among the most serious incidents covered by the investigation is the attempted murder of a presumed "spinner," a whistleblower believed to be close to rival groups, who could have revealed the target of an ambush . Luigi Sannino, a collaborator of justice, nephew of the regent Gennaro Sannino and cousin of the same name of two other affiliates, told investigators about it. In October 2023, he reconstructed an incident that had occurred the previous month, in which he allegedly participated together with Vincenzo Perillo.
At the center of the story is an attempted ambush against Leonardo Avallone, accused by his own former allies of being a "filatore," that is, an informant ready to report the clan's movements and activities to rival groups.
The episode dates back to September 9, 2023. According to Sannino, that day he personally accompanied Vincenzo Perillo—believed to be close to the ruling clan in Monteruscello—in search of Avallone, who was to be killed. "He was wearing a gray helmet with designs," Sannino recounts, "while I had a military green one. We were looking for Avallone because Perillo was convinced he was being followed. At the time, he feared being shot by the Beneduce gang, who had just been released from prison, like Rosario Beneduce, and he was also afraid of Lello 'o pollo and Gennaro 'o chips."
Sannino also explains the reasons for his involvement: "Perillo was perhaps exaggerating, but at that time I was very close to him. I needed his protection because I was at odds with my uncle, Sannino Gennaro, the head of the Monteruscello drug dealing centers, even though he was in prison."
The clan's military structure emerges from the details of the ambush: "Perillo told me he wanted to 'break' Leonardo, that is, kill him. I went to retrieve a rifle I had hidden on the roof of Cerqua's studio. The clan's cars had been seized or used by others, so we borrowed a black SH 300 scooter from ...omissis... I changed the license plate and covered some parts with stickers."
The two got ready at an accomplice's house, wearing dark clothing: "I was wearing a black K-brand raincoat, white Jordan shoes, and jeans." Another man, who had remained at the bar to act as a "mirror," alerted them when he saw Avallone with his son Pietro near the house. But the armed action stalled: "I had forgotten my motorcycle keys and had to get help from a relative to retrieve them. When we reached the bar, Perillo burst in with his rifle, but Leonardo wasn't there. So we left, even looking for him near his house, but we couldn't find him."
The ambush failed, but the collaborator's story offers a disturbing glimpse into the pressure within the clans, the paranoia surrounding the "spinners," and the disagreements that ripple through the groups active in Pozzuoli and the Monteruscello neighborhood. A climate of suspicion and imminent vengeance, in which even a small detail can decide life or death.
The criminal balance after the arrest of "Gennarino"
The investigation provides a precise snapshot of the gang's criminal structure. After his release from prison on September 16, 2022, Gennaro Sannino, known as "Gennarino," immediately resumed command of the Monteruscello faction, also assuming control of the Toiano group following Giuseppe Cammino's arrest.
According to investigators, he was supported by Gabriele Goglia (known as "a'ninna"), who played a leading role in drug procurement and the clan's strategic decisions. With Gennarino's arrest on September 4, 2023, the baton passed to Vincenzo Perillo (alias "Pippo Baudo"), who assumed leadership of the group and managed criminal activities, even from prison, via an illegal cell phone.
Collaborating in the management are his son, Leonardo Perillo, and Sannino's wife, Patrizia Tizzano, who keeps track of the extortion and drug dealing, and continues to receive instructions from her husband during prison meetings.
The couple's son, Luigi Sannino (born 2001), is also listed among the organizers. According to the prosecution, he was responsible for drug trafficking and collecting so-called "drug debts."
Participants and thugs
Investigators then identified a series of individuals believed to be active participants in the clan's organizational structure: Luigi Pio Sannino, Leonardo Perillo, Francesco Imperatore (aka Checco), Francesco De Felice (aka Paluoffo), Bruno Iannaccone, and Mattia Esposito, all involved in drug dealing, armed intimidation, extortion, and beatings to gain control of the territory or settle scores within the gang.
The nine arrested individuals will now face charges of various kinds: mafia-style association, attempted murder, illegal possession and carrying of weapons, extortion, drug trafficking, and aggravated threats. Other suspects, including Umberto Sannino, Emilio Cerqua, Gennaro Dello Iacolo, Ciro Scognamiglio, and Luigi Sannino (born in 1999), have been subject to separate orders.
List of people under investigation
Francesco De Felice, born in Pozzuoli on October 12, 1970 UNDER INVESTIGATION
Mattia Esposito, born in Pozzuoli on June 23, 2001. PRISON
Gabriele Goglia, born in Naples on January 15, 1989. PRISON
Bruno Iannaccone, born in Naples on October 5, 2002. PRISON
Francesco Imperatore, born in Naples on November 10, 1997. UNDER INVESTIGATION
Leonardo Perillo, born in Pozzuoli on July 17, 2002. PRISON
Vincenzo Perillo, born in Pozzuoli on October 9, 1976. PRISON
Christian Perreca, born in Pozzuoli on March 20, 2002. UNDER INVESTIGATION
Gennaro Sannino, born in Melito di Napoli on April 21, 1974 PRISON
Luigi Pio Sannino, born in Pozzuoli on June 21, 1999 PRISON
Luigi Sannino, born in Naples on January 29, 2001. PRISON
Patrizia Tizzano, born in Pozzuoli on March 5, 1976 PRISON
Gianluca Maione, born in Naples on August 24, 1982 UNDER INVESTIGATION
(pictured from left: Gennaro Sannino, Patrizia Tizzano, Luigi Sannino, Vincenzo Perillo, and collaborator with justice Luigi Sannino)
The article highlights the complex reality of the clans in Pozzuoli, but there are many confusing details. The dynamics between the various members seem very complex, and the consequences of their actions are grave. I wonder if there's any hope for change.