Salerno - With all the bosses in prison, it was the women, namely the wives and close relatives of the bosses, who had taken control of the Fezza-de Vivo clan of Pagani and the surrounding area.
This morning, a joint operation by the Salerno District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA), the Salerno Flying Squad, and the Carabinieri of Nocera Inferiore dealt a heavy blow to the Fezza-De Vivo clan.
Two arrest warrants were executed, leading to the arrest of 88 people, including three minors. The suspects, who include prominent figures in the criminal organization, are charged with mafia-style criminal conspiracy, drug trafficking, attempted murder, extortion, and illegal possession of weapons.
The precautionary measures, 79 in prison and 9 under house arrest, also involved individuals affiliated with the clan and active between Pagani, the organisation's operational base, and the neighbouring municipalities in the provinces of Salerno and Naples, in particular Sant'Antonio Abate and Santa Maria la Carità.
Investigators were able to document the internal reorganization of the gang, which was attempting to incorporate new recruits. The investigations revealed the crucial role played by the clan's women, who managed the "common fund," the distribution of illicit proceeds, and money laundering , acting on orders from the imprisoned leaders.
An investigation started from an attempted murder
The investigation, also supported by helicopters and canine units, is a continuation of a previous operation conducted in December 2022. The turning point came in the summer of 2023 with the capture of Vincenzo Confessore, the last clan leader still at large. The in-depth investigation was triggered by the attempted murder of a young drug dealer from Pagani who had refused to submit to the clan's control.
Territorial control and arms and drug trafficking
The criminal organization, leveraging its intimidating violence, had extended its control over Paganese's drug dealing centers. The clan demanded direct drug supply or, alternatively, a monthly "bribe." Other criminal groups, engaged in car theft and receiving stolen goods, were also forced to pay.
At the same time, the Salerno Financial Police initiated a precautionary seizure of highly valuable assets, the provenance of which is inconsistent with the income declared by the suspects. Investigations also revealed that the gang had expanded into the Naples area to monopolize the drug market, a move that had generated tensions with local clans, resulting in violence and shootings.
Cyber investigations, conducted with the collaboration of France, allowed the decryption of encrypted messaging used to supply drugs from South America and Europe. Analysis of the chats revealed a massive trafficking network: approximately 600 kg of hashish, 100 kg of marijuana, and 35 kg of cocaine moved in just a few months.
Finally, the possession and purchase of military weapons, including Skorpion rifles and Kalashnikovs, were documented. An arsenal was discovered in a clan hideout, including an UZI submachine gun, eight pistols, and two bulletproof vests, as well as approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition. The clan also controlled the recycling of stolen vehicles, supplying the technology needed for the thefts.
Chronicles of Campania
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