Naples - A precautionary measure enforcement order from the GIP Office of the Court of Naples, signed by Judge Ambra Cerabona, concerns ten people under investigation for mafia-type association and a series of aggravated extortion incidents, committed between July 2023 and July 2024 in the Giugliano in Campania area and along the Varcaturo–Lago Patria axis.
The case is part of the ongoing investigation into the Mallardo clan, historically part of the Secondigliano Alliance along with the Contini and Licciardi gangs, with economic projections in Campania, Lazio, and Tuscany, as outlined in the order.
The structure of the clan
The investigation describes a structure divided into territorial groups, with a leadership linked to the Mallardo family and management and liaison figures over time, as well as cooperative ties with other "Alliance" consortiums and functional relationships with neighboring groups for the management of extortion, contracts, and illicit reinvestments.
In addition to territorial control, the group engaged in extortion, usury, gambling, influencing public sectors through corruption, and reinvesting in economic and real estate activities.
The coastal strip group
The investigation identifies the Varcaturo–Lago Patria coastal group as an operational hub responsible for maintaining relations with Giugliano, accounting for illicit income, compiling salary lists (“mesate”), and organizing extortion operations, with the ability to exert pressure and use intimidation on the ground.
The leadership of this cell is attributed, according to prosecutors, to Pietro Tortorelli, assisted by representatives responsible for distributing funds, identifying construction sites to target, storing weapons, and providing logistical support for meetings with other groups.
According to the 64-page order, the extortion demands targeted local construction sites and commercial businesses, with explicit threats and, in one case, physical violence against the owner to obtain sums of money, also exploiting the allegation of belonging to the Mallardo clan.
One incident involved a "return charge" for the return of a stolen car, with a demand for €2.500 for its return to Giugliano, considered extortion aggravated by mafia methods.
The key episodes
At the Eden bar, according to the reconstruction, an attempt to coerce a victim into paying €10.000 related to a family dispute was attributed to three suspects, with aggravating circumstances of mafia methods and the aim of benefiting the Mallardo clan. The incident did not occur for reasons beyond the control of the accused perpetrators.
At the "Non solo Polli" pizzeria, three people threatened employees and the owner, culminating in beatings and the handing over of €7.500.
Individual positions
Peter Tortorelli: listed as the chief organizer of the coastal group, responsible for relations with the top management, accounting and "mesate", operational directives, and participation in intimidation actions; specific incidents of extortion are also contested.
Emanuele PiscopoDescribed as a close collaborator, responsible for distributing wages, selecting construction sites to target, and engaging in intimidation; implicated in two extortion incidents.
Roberto CoronaAlleged participant in assisting with the delivery of wages, assisting in extortion, accompanying members of other groups to meetings, and guarding entrusted weapons; also charged in a "return horse" incident.
Gennaro Ronga: Participated in threatening and extorting activities; implicated in the pizzeria affair and in other contested conduct.
Carmine Cerqua: participant, with an alleged frontal role in the extortion demands at the Lago Patria construction sites.
Giuseppe D'Alterio: Participated in intimidating and extortionist activities; also implicated in the Jeep incident.
Alfredo Lama: participant in extortion in the Lago Patria area.
Joanna D'Agostino: believed to be the go-between for fellow inmate Gennaro Trambarulo and the free members, channeling communications and money and guarding funds; instrumental in maintaining the regency role.
Joseph Sacco: Participant employed in extortion activities in the Varcaturo–Lago Patria area and clan salary recipient during his prison term.
Ivan Falcone: listed among the participants in the attempted extortion of €10.000 from a relative of the injured party.
The investigations are set to take place between July 2023 and July 2024, while the extortion incidents cited date back specifically to November and December 2023 in the Giugliano area.
List of suspects
Carmine Cerqua, 30.11.1970 PRISON
Roberto Corona, 13.05.1993 PRISON
Giovanna D'Agostino, May 26, 1976 UNDER INVESTIGATION
Giuseppe D'Alterio, September 21, 1991 UNDER INVESTIGATION
Ivan Falcone, 08.04.1996 UNDER INVESTIGATION
Alfredo Lama, August 24, 1961 PRISON
Emanuele Piscopo, February 5, 1987 UNDER INVESTIGATION
Gennaro Ronga, 02.08.1993 PRISON
Giuseppe Sacco, May 15, 1943 House Arrest
Pietro Tortorelli, June 12, 1992 UNDER INVESTIGATION
Changes and revisions to this article
- Article updated on 06/11/2025 at 10:53 - Content updated
- Article updated on 06/11/2025 at 11:32 - Typo corrected
- Article updated on 06/11/2025 at 11:45 - Content updated
- Article updated on 06/11/2025 at 11:46 - Typo corrected
- Article updated on 12/11/2025 at 12:50 - Content updated
- Article updated on 12/11/2025 at 12:57 - Typo corrected
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Comments (1)
The article talks about an investigation into a mafia clan in Naples, but I'm not sure the entire justice system is working properly. There are too many similar cases, and the victims don't always receive help from the authorities. Change is needed.