Alleged mafia boss Saverio Sparandeo has been acquitted, with charges of extortion aggravated by mafia methods dropped.

Benevento – The trial for extortion aggravated by mafia methods, held before the criminal panel presided over by Dr. Palmieri, concluded with the acquittal of Saverio Sparandeo, 64.

Sparandeo, believed by investigators to be the leader of the Sparandeo clan, was indicted on charges of extorting €60 from a construction contractor. According to the Naples District Anti-Mafia Prosecutor's Office, the sum was paid as a "protection fee" in connection with a project completed by the company.

During the final hearing, the oral arguments were held after the conclusion of the preliminary investigation. The Naples DDA Prosecutor's Office had requested a 14-year prison sentence for the defendant.

The defense, represented by lawyers Antonio Leone and Luca Russo, argued that the prosecution's case was groundless, contesting the elements underlying the charge.

At the conclusion of the deliberations, the panel acquitted Sparandeo of the charge of extortion aggravated by mafia methods, accepting the defense's arguments. The reasons for the ruling will be filed within the statutory deadline.