AVELLINO – A prison transformed into a criminal communications hub. This is what emerged from the investigation that led to a large-scale search of the "Antimo Graziano" penitentiary in Avellino, where 18 people—inmates or former inmates—are under investigation for the illicit use of cell phones and smartphones inside their cells. The operation, conducted by the Carabinieri of the Provincial Investigative Unit together with the Penitentiary Police and the Regional Investigative Unit of the Campania, was triggered by order of the Avellino Public Prosecutor's Office.

According to investigators, the devices were not only used to maintain contact with the outside world, but also to continue organizing criminal activities and commit new crimes. The investigation, which began in June 2024, revealed how some inmates conducted conversations and relationships through social networks and messaging apps, often with fake profiles or those maintained from within the prison.

One case in particular has raised alarm: one of the suspects allegedly used his phone to threaten and stalk the widow of the murder victim for which he is currently incarcerated, thus constituting stalking. During the search, law enforcement seized several devices and material useful for the investigation, which is now focused on reconstructing the network of communications and complicity that allowed the inmates to continue their crimes behind bars.