Camorra gang members forced hiring after workplace accident: five arrests in Caserta and Naples

The investigation that led to the arrest of five people between Caserta and Naples uncovers a disturbing connection between the Camorra and labor, revealing how the death of a worker can be transformed into an opportunity to perpetuate a system of extortion and exploitation in the daily lives of businesses.

Two jobs imposed as compensation following the death of a dairy worker. This is one of the key findings in the investigation that led to the arrest of five people in the provinces of Caserta and Naples, considered seriously suspected of being part of a criminal network linked to the Casalesi clan. Carabinieri officers from the Casal di Principe Company executed a precautionary detention order issued by the investigating judge of the Court of Naples at the request of the District Anti-Mafia Directorate.

The charges are serious and aggravated by mafia methods: Camorra association, extortion, fraud, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transfer of assets. The investigation, conducted between July 2022 and June 2023, revealed the central role of a member of the Schiavone wing of the Casalesi clan, believed to be still at large, capable of operating between debt collection, pressure on businesses, and connections with other clans.

According to investigators' reconstruction, the extortion scheme also targeted a dairy company, with demands reaching "700-800 thousand euros." As an alternative to the money, the demand was allegedly made to "hire the two daughters of the brother-in-law," who died in a work-related accident at the same plant, as compensation beyond what was legally required.

The investigation also documented the fictitious registration of a car rental company based in Casal di Principe, used to "evade potential financial measures," and direct involvement in organizing insurance fraud in the auto insurance sector. On the drug trafficking front, an operational alliance emerged with intermediaries from the Di Lauro clan of Secondigliano, all of whom were arrested, for the purpose of drug dealing. During these operations, "one kilogram of cocaine" was also seized.