Naples – It's not just about gambling. What emerges from the courtroom is a snapshot of a second-generation criminal empire, transformed and updated to be more silent yet extremely profitable.
The first-instance trial, currently underway with a summary procedure before the preliminary hearing judge, entered its final phase with the closing speech of the Public Prosecutor of the District Anti-Mafia Directorate, held in the bunker courtroom of Poggioreale prison. At the center of the proceedings is the structural alliance between the Licciardi clan of Masseria Cardone and the Russo clan of Nola.
Fewer weapons, more servers: the new face of clans
The 461-page precautionary order outlines a paradigm shift within Campania's organized crime. A structure emerges that has progressively replaced firearms with computer servers, and the traditional extortion of money from merchants through the sale of "skins" for access to gaming platforms to agencies. A network that is moving away from physical control of the backstreets to operate through virtual companies, hidden behind a simple click.
The strategy is clear: invest, diversify, and capitalize on the online gaming business. From the provinces of Nola to the neighborhoods of Naples, the underlying structure is unique: a criminal joint venture capable of infiltrating the gambling market through .com platforms, servers located abroad, and a network of gaming outlets that served as legal cover.
A “Start-up” model to circumvent controls
According to the prosecution, the organization operated with the dynamics of a modern business, albeit one founded on illegality. The platforms used had internationally recognized names (such as goodbet.com, planet365.me, mybet24.com), but guaranteed a complete lack of government oversight. This system allowed for thousands of daily over-the-counter bets to be collected, disguised as online activities, systematically evading the controls of the Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM), the tax authorities, and anti-money laundering regulations.
The network of leaders and the new generation
Prosecutors highlight how the new generation of clans operates behind this network. Among the most prominent figures is Gennaro Licciardi, 35, son of Vincenzo (a historic member of the Secondigliano Alliance). Along with his uncle Antonio Licciardi and the historic allied families—the Carellas, the Russos, and the Fabbrocinos—Gennaro Licciardi is considered by the prosecution to be one of the system's leaders, responsible for defining strategies, managing relationships with agencies, and ensuring the organization's cover and intimidating power.
The organizational chart drawn up by the investigators identifies different levels:
The top management: Gennaro and Antonio Licciardi, supported by brothers Luigi and Francesco Pio Carella, responsible for defining strategies and controlling financial flows.
The technical-operational level: Figures such as Endri Alla and Mario Maiello, considered the "masters" for the technical management of the platforms, supported by Domenico Cavezzi and Giovanni De Maria for the expansion of the network.
The territorial network (PJ Nola): A cartel linked to the Russo clan, which controlled dozens of capillary agencies (including offices in Nola, Marigliano and Monteforte), managed by a team of illicit "salespeople".
Debt collection: a return to the traditional method
Despite the technological guise, the Camorra's influence resurfaced in the management of critical issues. A case in point is an alleged €88 debt related to gambling. When the debtor refused to pay, the matter—according to the documents—escalated to the clan's top brass for debt collection based on mafia intimidation. While the business moves online, territorial control and the threat remain tangible offline.
The requests of the Public Prosecutor
At the conclusion of the closing argument, based on the evidence gathered and the alleged responsibilities, the District Anti-Mafia Directorate formulated its requests for convictions for the 27 defendants involved in the summary trial.
Sebastiano De Capua: 27 years old
Antonio Moccia: 20 years old
Giovanni Romano: 20 years old
Michele Russo: 20 years old
Francesco Tufano: 20 years old
Gennaro Nappi: 18 years old
Antonio Russo: 18 years old
Paolino Felice Russo: 18 years old
Aniello Barbarino: 15 years and 4 months
Domenico Cavezza: 13 years old
Gennaro Licciardi: 12 years
Fabio Zoppino: 12 years old
Antonio Ambrosino: 9 years and 8 months
Felice Esposito: 9 years old
Giuseppe Stefanile: 9 years old
Paolino Vaiano: 9 years old
Francesco Carella: 8 years old
Giacomo De Lucia: 8 years old
Leonardo Gallucci: 8 years old
Antonio Licciardi: 8 years
Domenico Silvano: 8 years old
Ferdinando Zoppino: 8 years old
Sabato D'Elia: 7 years and 4 months
Pasqualino Biancardi: 6 years and 8 months
Endri Alla: 6 years and 6 months
Mario Ammirati: 6 years old
Antonio Gallucci: 6 years
In short
Naples - It's not just about gambling.
- What emerges from the courtrooms is the picture of a second-generation criminal empire, transformed and updated…
- The first-instance trial, currently underway with an abbreviated procedure before the preliminary hearing judge, has entered its final phase with…
- At the center of the debate is the structural alliance between the Licciardi clans of Masseria Cardone and the Russo clan of Nola.
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
Naples - It's not just about gambling.
Why is this news relevant?
What emerges from the courtrooms is the picture of a second-generation criminal empire, transformed and updated…
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
The first-instance trial, currently underway with an abbreviated procedure before the preliminary hearing judge, has entered its final phase with the prosecution's closing statement...
I partly agree Miriana, but I remain neutral in my opinion: it talks about clans and technology together but the article mixes names and numbers without always explaining the technical steps, there are many foreign servers and .com names but it doesn't seem to me to be clear how the transactions work, maybe the process will clarify
I find this article interesting but very confusing. The issue is complex, and it's not just about gambling: it seems like some kind of criminal startup using servers and skins to hide business. I don't understand why the authorities can't block them; perhaps there's a lack of laws or clear evidence.