Salvatore Ruggiero, 57, of Airola, known by his nickname "Pizziluongo," has been released from prison. The Benevento Court granted the request filed by lawyer Vittorio Fucci, also revoking the last precautionary measure still in place against him, namely the requirement to report to the judicial police.
Ruggiero was under investigation for alleged extortion against a well-known entertainment company, an incident that according to the prosecution occurred in September 2024 in Airola, on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, during a performance by singer Riccardo Fogli.
According to the prosecutor's office's reconstruction, the 57-year-old allegedly leveraged his criminal reputation to pressure the company organizing the event. The investigation, conducted through a series of investigative checks, led to his identification thanks to the statements of three citizens—including the company owner and one of his employees—as well as those of a former city councilor. A Carabinieri officer who reportedly witnessed part of the incident before taking up duty also provided investigators with useful information.
Initially, the public prosecutor had requested pre-trial detention for Ruggiero, considering him a social danger given his numerous criminal records and the manner in which the alleged crime was committed.
The preliminary investigations judge, however, only partially accepted the defense arguments of lawyers Vittorio Fucci and Giuseppe Vittorio Fucci, ruling out prison and ordering the suspect to be placed under the less punitive measure of house arrest.
Subsequently, the Court of Benevento, again at the defense's request, also revoked the house arrest, replacing it with the obligation to report to the judicial police.
With its latest ruling, the court has now also revoked this remaining measure, restoring Ruggiero to full freedom.
In short
Salvatore Ruggiero, 57, from Airola, known by the nickname “Pizziluongo,” has been released from prison.
- The Court of Benevento has granted the request presented by lawyer Vittorio Fucci, also revoking the last precautionary measure still in force…
- Ruggiero was under investigation for alleged extortion against a well-known entertainment company, an incident which according to…
- According to the Prosecutor's Office's reconstruction, the 57-year-old allegedly exploited his reputation as a criminal to put pressure on…
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
Salvatore Ruggiero, 57, from Airola, known by the nickname “Pizziluongo,” has been released from prison.
Why is this news relevant?
The Court of Benevento has granted the request presented by lawyer Vittorio Fucci, also revoking the last precautionary measure still in force…
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
Ruggiero was under investigation for alleged extortion against a well-known entertainment company, an incident that, according to the prosecution, occurred in…
It seems strange to me that they are still revoking the measures as if the facts had not been clarified. The Benevento court decided almost easily and without explanations. People remain perplexed and there is a lot of confusion in the country. I don't understand if the evidence was solid or just rumours.