Naples – The trial for corruption and aiding and abetting, aggravated by mafia methods, related to the Amato-Pagano clan's business dealings in the 167 district of Arzano has begun.
Following the arrests last March, the first-instance trial, held under a fast-track procedure before investigating judge Campanaro, saw the District Anti-Mafia Directorate launch a major offensive, demanding severe sentences for all defendants.
The prosecutor's requests
A key hearing was held during which DDA prosecutor Caputo made his sentencing requests. The person most at risk is former lieutenant of the Arzano Carabinieri station, Giuseppe Improta, for whom a nine-year and two-month prison sentence has been requested.
The alleged leaders of the gang have also been heavily targeted: Giuseppe Monfregolo faces 8 years and 6 months, while Mariano Monfregolo's request has been increased to 8 years and 9 months. For the fourth defendant, Aldo Bianco, the prosecutor has requested a sentence of 7 years and 10 months.
In the upcoming hearings, the defense team—composed of lawyers Roberto Saccomanno, Claudio Davino, Pollio, D'Auria, and Ascione—will have the floor. They will attempt to undermine a body of circumstantial evidence that, at this stage, appears solid and coherent.
The Carabiniere's "salary"
According to investigators, Improta, who served with the DIA (Antimafia Investigation Department) in Naples, allegedly received a monthly salary of approximately €1.000 from the clan, as well as a series of in-kind benefits: gifts, bottles of wine, clothing, household maintenance, and repairs to the family car, such as tire changes and spare parts.
In exchange, the soldier would have provided tip-offs on ongoing investigations and operations, systematically facilitating the activities of the criminal gang.
An investigation that started off uphill
The trial was neither simple nor predictable. The investigation, despite wiretaps—particularly those captured in Giuseppe Monfregolo's car—which revealed instances of corruption, was initially shelved due to a lack of evidence.
The turning point with the repentants
The turning point came with the repentance of boss Pasquale Cristiano, the Amato-Pagano clan's contact in Arzano's 167 district, and his father Pietro Cristiano. Both confirmed the Carabiniere's "availability," reconstructing a corrupt relationship that lasted from 2015 to 2023, involving money, gifts, and favors.
Leaks, false reports and escapes
Among the most serious charges are the disclosure of official secrets, including information about impending precautionary measures and the installation of surveillance cameras, which were used to enable the suspects' escape. Also charged are false good conduct reports prepared in favor of the boss under special surveillance, failure to notify restrictive measures, and aiding and abetting clan members on the run.
Serious accusations
According to the Anti-Mafia Directorate, the accusations outline a stable system of collusion between state agencies and organized crime. These are serious charges, for which the Anti-Mafia Commission has now requested exemplary sentences, deeming the existence of a corruption pact serving the interests of the Arzano 167 clan proven.
The requests for conviction
Specifically, the prosecutor of the District Anti-Mafia Directorate requested the following penalties:
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Joseph Improta, former lieutenant of the Carabinieri of Arzano: 9 years and 2 months' imprisonment
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Mariano Monfregolo, considered the leader of the 167 clan: 8 years and 9 months
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Joseph Monfregolo, contact person for the criminal organization: 8 years and 6 months
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Aldo Bianco, considered the top member of the gang: 7 years and 10 months
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Now the floor is given to the defense, called upon to confront an accusatory system that the Prosecutor's Office believes to be fully proven.
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