Kidnapping and beating for missing Audi: boss Giannetti 'o scorpione and his accomplices sentenced

Naples – Salvatore Giannetti, nicknamed "'o scorpione," believed by investigators to be the Mazzarella clan's area boss in San Giovanni a Teduccio, has emerged as the linchpin of the entire affair. According to the prosecution's line of reasoning, he led and coordinated the punitive operation against two men accused of stealing an Audi RS3 worth approximately €80.

The incident was considered a serious offense, occurring in a criminal context where territorial control and hierarchies remain paramount. According to investigations, the car had been rented for use in a scam, but its disappearance triggered a violent reaction.

Kidnapping and beatings for a "slip": six convicted

Two men accused of stealing an Audi RS3 worth approximately €80 have been convicted of six counts of kidnapping, assault, and death threats. This was the verdict handed down by Naples preliminary hearing judge Gabriella Ambrosino at the conclusion of a summary trial.

The highest sentence was given to Salvatore Giannetti, known as “'o scorpione”, considered by investigators to be the area leader of the Mazzarella clan in San Giovanni a Teduccio, sentenced to 10 years, 8 months and 20 days.

The kidnapping and the hours of terror

The two victims were tracked down and kidnapped by the gang. Forced into an apartment in San Giovanni a Teduccio, they were beaten and threatened with death in what investigators describe as a veritable settling of scores.

The house was transformed into a makeshift prison, where the two men endured intense psychological pressure and physical violence. The goal, according to the prosecution, was twofold: to recover the car or its financial value and to reassert the group's control over the territory.

The Carabinieri's decisive raid

The spiral of violence was halted by the intervention of the Carabinieri, alerted by the partner of one of the victims. The woman, suspicious of the disappearance, raised the alarm, allowing the officers to quickly locate the hideout.

The raid on the house in eastern Naples led to the hostages' release and the kidnappers' arrest in flagrante delicto, avoiding what could have been even more serious consequences.

Pressure on victims

The prosecution's case was further enhanced by a further element: after the events, one of the victims was reportedly contacted by an emissary linked to the defendants, with the aim of convincing her to withdraw the complaint.
An attempted tampering with evidence that, according to investigators, confirms the group's ability to exert pressure even in the post-arrest phase.

The sentences: heavy penalties but lower than requested

Preliminary hearing judge Gabriella Ambrosino imposed significant sentences, although lower than the prosecutor's requests:

Salvatore Giannetti “'o scorpione”: 10 years, 8 months and 20 days
Antonio Martori: 10 years, 6 months and 20 days
Salvatore De Filippo: 10 years and 20 days
Giuseppe Ciccarelli: 9 years, 11 months, and 2 days
Mario Amaro: 9 years, 11 months and 3 days
Arturo Lama: 6 years, 6 months and 4 days

Lama was acquitted of the charge of serious injury, while his responsibility for kidnapping for the purpose of extortion was confirmed.

The prosecutor had asked for 20 years for five defendants believed to be close to the Mazzarella clan and 14 years for Lama.

Recognized mafia method, but no clan aggravating circumstance

In his ruling, the preliminary hearing judge excluded the aggravating circumstance of facilitation by the Mazzarella clan, while acknowledging the existence of the mafia method. This is a technical but significant distinction, which impacted the sentencing.

However, the picture remains of violence exercised in typically mafia-like ways, aimed at reasserting control and punishing those who violate unwritten rules.