The Fifth Section of the Naples Court of Appeal has approved plea bargains and reduced the sentences of several defendants believed to be linked to the Strazzullo clan, active in the Torretta di Chiaia area. At the heart of the proceedings is a series of intimidations, "laydowns," and alleged racketeering incidents targeting illegal parking attendants and individuals believed to be close to rival gangs.
According to the DDA's prosecution, the group attempted to consolidate control of the territory in the so-called "good living room" of the city, in conflict with the Frizziero-Piccirillo cartel and, at times, with the Cirella area, described as allies of the rivals at that time.
The verdict on appeal
With the decision issued yesterday, the Court defined the position of four defendants with sentences reduced compared to the first degree:
Giovanni Strazzullo, alias “'o chicco”: 8 years and 10 months
Mariano Cangiano: 8 years old
Armando Mastroianni: 7 years
Gennaro Ruggiero: 6 years and 10 months
The verdict was welcomed by the defense: among the lawyers indicated is Giuseppe De Gregorio (for Ruggiero, Strazzullo and Mastroianni) and, in the defense team, also Leopoldo Perone.
Comparison with the first degree
Last February, the sentences handed down by the investigating judge were more severe. Specifically:
Strazzullo: 12 years
Armando Mastroianni: 10 years
Mariano Cangiano: 9 years and 4 months
Gennaro Ruggiero: 8 years old
Emanuele Mastroianni: 2 years and 6 months
The Flying Squad's investigation, which culminated in the arrests in the summer of 2023, reconstructed a phase of armed violence that lasted approximately three years, during which the clan's new recruits attempted to impose their hegemony in the Torretta area.
Threats to parking attendants and alleged "laydowns"
Among the alleged incidents were threats directed at an illegal parking attendant, who was forced – according to the prosecution – to leave the area: phrases such as "If you don't leave here, I'll smash your head in" and "You have to disappear, or I'll shoot you."
According to the investigation's reconstruction (without prejudice to the presumption of innocence until a final verdict is reached), the group allegedly carried out armed raids and demonstrations, also imposing a form of "tax" on parking attendants: 100 euros per week per person to be able to continue working.
Weapons and ambushes: the reconstructed episodes
Investigators have documented "shootings" on Via Santa Maria della Neve and Via Camillo Cucca, as well as the availability of firearms, including large-caliber and long-barreled ones. They also allege a shooting at the home of Alvino Frizziero and an alleged failed ambush against Giuseppe Pugliese, identified as a rival.
Convictions on appeal
Giovanni Strazzullo: 8 years and 10 months
Mariano Cangiano: 8 years old
Armando Mastroianni: 7 years
Gennaro Ruggiero: 6 years and 10 months
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Comments (1)
Reading the article, I noticed that the sentences have been reduced, but I don't understand how certain people can continue to engage in crime. Justice should be more severe in these cases to discourage illegal activity.