Camorra: New Pianura Clan Slapped with 140 Years in Prison

Naples - A new generation of mafia bosses and underlings, raised in the shadow of the old Pianura clans, has been brought to heel by the justice system. Fifteen convictions, totaling over 140 years in prison: this is the outcome of the first-degree trial, conducted using a fast-track procedure, which sealed the defeat of the two criminal gangs warring for control of drug trafficking and extortion between Via Evangelista Torricelli and the neighborhoods of the western suburbs of Naples.

The emerging figures of the Esposito-Marsicano and Carillo-Perfetto clans are on trial, two criminal groups that—according to the District Anti-Mafia Directorate—were competing for a monopoly on illicit business with an escalation of violence, armed raids, and vendettas.

Preliminary hearing judge Fiore, almost entirely accepting the prosecution's requests, imposed very heavy sentences, reserving the highest for the alleged leaders and promoters of the two rival organizations.

The neighborhood war

The investigation, coordinated by the Naples DDA and conducted by members of the Flying Squad, began in 2022 and led to the arrest of fifteen people in November last year.

At the center of the case is the Marsicano clan: a group of very young members determined to establish themselves in the neighborhood, even with weapons. Investigators documented several raids in the area controlled by the Carillo-Perfetto clan, heirs to the historic Pesce gang, with the aim of expanding their criminal dominance.

Patrizio Cuffaro, known as “Scantinato,” is allegedly linked to this latter cartel and is accused of the attempted murder of Antonio Gaetano, alias “Biscotto,” which occurred on August 24, 2022.
That same day, the wiretaps recorded the immediate reaction of the Marsicano clan, ready to take revenge for the wounding of their leader. From his cell, Emanuele "Manuè" Marsicano restrained his men: "Let's calm things down first."

The accusations and the connections

The defendants were charged, to varying degrees, with mafia-type association (416 bis), carrying and possession of firearms, extortion, drug dealing and the illicit use of cell phones in prison.

The 416 bis dispute concerned Emanuele Marsicano, Francesco Marfella, Luca Battista, Carlo Pulicati, Christian Titas and Rosario Iorio.

The investigations also revealed the Marsicano group's ties to the Vigilia clan of Soccavo, in particular to Emanuele Summa, known as “'o Piccone,” and Rosario Maglione, respectively the organization's regent and right-hand man.

The relationships with Luca Battista and Francesco Marfella would have consolidated a real criminal alliance between the two territories, planned to strengthen drug dealing and extortion activities.

Also on trial are Giusy Esposito and Brigida Arillo, Marsicano's wife and mother-in-law, who investigators believe were involved in the management of family affairs.

The sentences

Emanuele Marsicano – 18 years (continuing with another sentence)
Christian Titas – 15 years and 4 months
Luca Battista – 12 years old
Carlo Pulicati – 11 years and 4 months
Patrizio Cuffaro – 10 years old
Francesco Marfella – 10 years old
Rosario Iorio – 9 years and 4 months
Emanuele Summa (“'o Piccone”) – 9 years old
Rosario Maglione – 9 years old
Brigida Arillo – 8 years and 8 months
Vitale Luongo – 8 years old
Salvatore D'Anna – 8 years old
Angelo Marasco – 5 years and 4 months
Salvatore Di Maria – 4 years and 8 months
Giuseppina Pia Esposito – 4 years old

Who are the clans?

Esposito-Marsicano Clan
Born as an offshoot of the Esposito group, the Marsicano clan is led by the new generations of Pianura's underworld. At its head is Emanuele "Manuè" Marsicano, considered the neighborhood's baby boss. The group has established itself in drug trafficking and extortion, aiming to expand towards the borders of Soccavo.
Carillo-Perfetto Clan
A historic local group, the direct descendants of the Pesce clan, with strong roots in the working-class neighborhoods of Via Evangelista Torricelli. For years, they have been at odds with the Marsicano clan for control of drug dealing and smoking areas.
Vigilia Clan of Soccavo
Active in the western part of the country, the group is led by Emanuele Summa, known as "'o Piccone." It is considered one of the most feared and best-organized organizations in the area. Investigations by the Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) have documented a strategic alliance with the Marsicano clan for drug trafficking.

(in the photo via Evangelista Torricelli in Pianura and in the boxes from top left Emanuele Marsicano, Christian Titas, Luca Battista, Carlo Pulicati and Patrizio Cuffaro; bottom always from left Francesco Marfella, Rosario Iorio, Emanuele Summa, Rosario Maglione – 9 years old
and Angelo Marasco)