Caivano, boss Zambella's wife acted as custodian and never left the 'treasure'

Twenty-four-hour military surveillance, punctuated by strict shifts that didn't even stop for family anniversaries or private celebrations. Guarding the Angelino-Zambella clan's enormous "treasure trove" were not only sophisticated electronic devices, but also the imprisoned clan leader's partner, Carmela Maugeri, along with her children, including a minor.

This is what emerges from the shocking details of the investigation coordinated by the Naples District Anti-Mafia Office and culminating in the order signed by the Naples Court's investigating judge, Lucia De Micco, which led to the issuing of 34 precautionary measures—23 in prison and 11 under house arrest—in the heart of the infamous "Bronx" of Caivano.

At the heart of the complex investigation are the criminal dynamics surrounding Raffaele Zambella, 46, known as "Lello," considered by investigators to be the undisputed leader of the local drug trade despite his prolonged detention. From prison, Zambella allegedly continued to issue orders and manage the drug dealing centers, relying on a network of loyal followers and, above all, the highly protective domestic environment provided by his wife, Carmela Maugeri, currently under investigation at large.

The bunker on Via Atellana: hammering on the walls to recover the millions

The extent of the criminal organization's wealth is confirmed by images released by the Carabinieri, who are busy demolishing the walls and cavity walls of an apartment on Via Atellana with hammer blows. It was there that the officers discovered and seized a staggering €3.296.265 in cash, meticulously divided into bundles and hidden under the floorboards, along with eleven luxury Rolex watches worth a total of €127.300.

The banknotes, mostly in 50 euro denominations and perfectly wrapped in cellophane, were taken away in plastic buckets during the searches.

The repentant's revelations: "His wife never left the house."

The one who reveals the background to this maniacal surveillance is Giovanni Barra, a collaborator of justice, whose statements, given in the interrogation reports of July 4 and 7, 2025, outline with surgical precision the roles within the Zambella family.

"Lello Zambella's money is in his home and is being held by his wife," the informer states in his statement, confirming that she had assumed a key operational role in managing the illicit proceeds. "The security systems were installed by Carmine, known as 'Sette Palazzi,' whom I don't know and can only say he works in the construction industry. He installed the electrical system in Sautto. I've never seen him."

Barra details the security system set up in the apartment: "Maugeri never leaves the property to guard the money; in fact, I'm aware of the shifts she takes with her children, particularly her adult son and her 15- or 16-year-old daughter, whom she alerts by phone in case of danger, preventing unauthorized access and protecting the money."

Such strict control was maintained, even during holidays. The cooperating witness says he planned a personal raid to steal the money following disagreements with Zambella himself.
I remember that at Zambella's son Salvatore's 18th birthday party, I had argued with Zambella over the attack and wanted to get revenge by taking his money. So, I made inquiries and learned that even that day, even though the celebrations were underway, Maugeri and her youngest daughter were still keeping watch on the house.

The logistics network and technological systems

The security of the home vault wasn't solely dependent on the constant presence of family members. According to the investigations and confirmed by the investigative findings, the home had been equipped with hiding places and specially designed technological devices.

In addition to guarding the money, the group ran a massive drug trafficking operation, constantly supplying local drug dealers through a meticulously managed system. The narcotics, in large quantities—such as the five kilos of cocaine delivered weekly—were processed and "split" inside a base apartment also located in the Bronx, above a nightclub known as "il circoletto." The proceeds of this massive illicit activity were then regularly funneled and delivered to Carmela Maugeri, who would then hide them in secret rooms of the apartment.

Carmela Maugeri's profile in the investigation

Although Carmela Maugeri, Roberto Maugeri's aunt, is listed as a suspect at large, investigators are treating her father's sister Carmela Maugeri's criminal case with serious aggravating circumstances. She is accused of taking advantage of mafia-style extortion and intimidation, actively participating in the Camorra organization headed by Antonio Angelino, and acting as her imprisoned husband's operative and trustee. Her role was not simply one of family support, but of strict adherence to the boss's directives, ensuring the impenetrability of the illicit treasure amassed through military control of the drug dealing centers of Caivano and Pascarola.