A multi-pronged operation, spanning Rome, Naples, and the Pontine coast, has rekindled the spotlight on alleged Camorra infiltration into Terracina's political and administrative fabric.
The Carabinieri of the Latina Provincial Command executed a series of personal and real precautionary measures issued by the GIP of the Court of Rome, at the request of the Capitoline Anti-Mafia District Directorate.
At the center of the investigation are serious crimes: political-mafia vote-rigging, extortion aggravated by mafia methods, fraudulent transfer of assets, and disruption of auctions. At the same time, a precautionary seizure was initiated for the purpose of confiscation: properties and company shares with a total value estimated by investigators to be over
10 million euros, a figure which in an operational step is quantified even in more than
11 million.
The key name: Eduardo Marano, "point man" and bridge with Secondigliano
Among the main targets of the measure is Eduardo Marano, identified by investigators as a leading figure in the Liccardi network, a historic clan of the Secondigliano Alliance, rooted in the northern area of Naples. According to the DDA, Marano is not a supporting actor: his role, according to the investigative reconstruction, is that of a "hinge" between the group's intimidating power and local dynamics, with the ability to influence economic relations and—most importantly—the decisions and interests of the Terracina community.
Marano's profile, according to the prosecution's line of reasoning, takes on additional weight due to his family background: he is the husband of Patrizia Liccardi, who is under investigation at large. This connection, for investigators, would reinforce the theory of a stable, rather than occasional, "settlement" of a family connected—including by blood—to the Secondigliano clan, with implications for southern Lazio.
City councilor Gavino De Gregorio was also arrested (under house arrest)
Also included in the list of those subject to precautionary measures is Gavino De Gregorio, a Terracina city councilor (on Mayor Giannetti's list), who was placed under house arrest. The investigation places him in an operational line with Marano: a relationship that, according to investigators, would have bridged local political interests and criminal connections linked to the Liccardi group.
De Gregorio—an insurance salesman by profession, according to documents cited by investigative sources—is described as someone capable of navigating the administrative system and local economic relations, a role that, according to the prosecution, would have made him instrumental in lobbying, mediation, and "guaranteeing" operations in the group's interests.
The investigation: investigations between June 2022 and October 2023
The investigation, carried out by the Carabinieri Investigative Unit of Latina and coordinated by the Rome DDA, spans a period from June 2022 to October 2023. The investigation began with local investigative work: investigators report having reconstructed the gradual insertion of a family believed to be linked to the Liccardi clan into the economic, business, political, and social fabric of Terracina.
The operation's stated objective is to counter the influence of electoral consultations and public procurement: two channels considered "strategic" for organized crime's penetration of administrative bodies.
Vote trading: the promise of votes and “availability” after the election
One of the key aspects of the investigation is the alleged political-mafia vote-rigging linked to the May 2023 local elections in Terracina. The allegation, as reconstructed, revolves around a pact: De Gregorio allegedly asked and obtained from Marano a promise to procure votes, exploiting the intimidating and relational influence attributed to the man believed to be close to (or inside) the Liccardi clan.
In exchange, De Gregorio allegedly guaranteed his willingness to "satisfy the interests and needs" of Marano and those close to him in the Terracina area. Following the elections, De Gregorio was effectively elected councilor, appointed group leader, and appointed president of the Productive Activities and State Property Commission. These positions, according to the investigative analysis, heighten the relevance of the alleged agreement, as they potentially affected concessions, authorizations, and local economic dynamics.
The contested extortions: threats, pressure, and "mafia methods"
In addition to vote-buying, the file contains charges of extortion aggravated by mafia methods.
The "Terrazze Lido" case and the pressure on public land
De Gregorio is also accused of conspiracy to commit extortion (with Domenico Scevola, who is under investigation) in connection with a matter involving concessions and the occupation of public land in Piazza Aldo Moro. The investigation details a dispute between a restaurant business and a concession holder for children's entertainment/shows.
According to reports, in May 2024, De Gregorio allegedly pressured the Councilor for Productive Activities, Gianluca Corradini, to contact the other party and propose an alternative arrangement. Investigators believe this interference was intended to "free up" the area and impact the concession.
Usury loans: Marano's claims and the intimidations
Then there is the episode most directly attributed to the De Gregorio-Marano relationship: the repayment of a loan classified as usurious. Marano, according to the charges, demanded the return of the money and acted with threats and violence. An incident of aggression is described: a punch thrown at the victim in the lobby of the building where De Gregorio's insurance agency is located.
According to the prosecution's line of argument, further threats were allegedly made by De Gregorio on behalf of Marano: the victim was allegedly warned of the risk of being stabbed by a clan member/close associate, to the point of leaving Terracina being the "only solution."
The Prosecutor's Office characterizes this as a typical mafia-style intimidation scheme: not just financial gain, but the fabrication of fear as a tool for territorial governance.
The seizure: a real estate "dowry" worth millions of euros
Along with the arrests, a precautionary seizure was carried out for the purpose of confiscation of assets believed to be the proceeds or instrumentalities of the alleged activities. The list provided by investigators is impressive: seven commercial premises, described as an entire shopping mall, one B&B, 20 real estate units, three plots of land, and assets and businesses located in Naples, Terracina, San Felice Circeo, and Rome.
According to the prosecution, a local businessman with ties to the individual believed to be a member of the clan allegedly registered properties, company shares, and commercial activities in the name of third parties to avoid possible asset prevention measures.
A second strand: 11 suspects and new charges
During the operation, the Carabinieri are also serving investigation notices, issued by the Latina Prosecutor's Office, against 11 suspects. The alleged crimes, in this "separated" strand, include fraudulent transfer of assets, self-laundering, fraudulent misappropriation of tax credits, corruption, and interference with the freedom of auctions.
The separation of the proceedings, as indicated, stems from a separation ordered within the scope of the main investigation coordinated by the Rome DDA.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
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