Naples, the Camorra as a brand: the Amato-Pagano clan returns online

Naples – The Amato-Pagano clan, also known as the "Secondigliano Secessionists" or the "Spanish" clan, is back in the spotlight for its online propaganda capabilities. The Camorra organization, active in northern Naples and surrounding municipalities, was founded in 2004 by bosses Raffaele Amato and Cesare Pagano, following the split from the Di Lauro clan that sparked the first bloody Scampia feud.

From the Scampia feud to international drug trafficking

According to authorities' reconstruction, the cartel historically controlled drug dealing hubs in Scampia, Secondigliano, Melito, Mugnano, Arzano, and Casavatore, specializing in international drug trafficking with logistical bases in Spain. Over the years, the clan has diversified its illicit activities, expanding into extortion, money laundering, and fictitious asset registration.

The new account and the luxury showcase

The phenomenon has long been known and has been the focus of recent investigations by the DIA and the Naples Prosecutor's Office, but it continues to constantly resurface online. In the last few hours, a new social media profile linked to the Amato-Pagano clan has been reported, created by young supporters or affiliates to pursue a specific "criminal marketing" strategy.

Videos of high-powered cars, high-value watches, wads of cash, expensive bottles, and even boastful claims about huge drug profits: these are the ingredients the perpetrators use to flaunt their power and a wealthy lifestyle.

Codes, traps and the Spanish flag

As highlighted by law enforcement and prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, this narrative serves to captivate young people, portraying clan membership as a winning model. This is conveyed through specific codes and symbols, accompanied by trap or neomelodic audio tracks and the systematic use of Spanish flag emojis, a reference to the clan's historic nickname.

Profiles removed, but always regenerated

Although these profiles are monitored by authorities and periodically removed from platforms for violating guidelines on inciting violence and criminal associations, the creation of this additional account demonstrates how they are able to continually regenerate.

Borrelli: "We need a digital DASPO."

Francesco Emilio Borrelli, MP for the Green-Left Alliance, intervened on the matter:

"We are witnessing yet another demonstration of a truly criminal communication strategy that aims to transform illegality into a brand for young people to emulate, concealing the trail of blood, prison, and degradation upon which that luxury is built. The reporting of this new profile demonstrates that traditional reporting and removal channels are no longer sufficient: institutions and platforms cannot continue to pursue individual accounts.

This is why I once again strongly call for the introduction of a digital Daspo (Detention Order): a restrictive and effective measure to block access to and use of social networks for all individuals convicted or under investigation for mafia and organized crime offenses, as well as anyone who exploits the internet to glorify the Camorra. At the same time, web multinationals must assume their responsibility to promptly block such profiles and prevent algorithms from continuing to reward and make the culture of oppression go viral.