THE DIA FIELD OFFICE IN NAPLES CARRIED OUT 25 PRE-TRIAL DETENTION ORDERS

The following press release is issued on behalf of the District Public’s Office in Naples.

 This morning, the DIA Field Office in Naples carried out 25 pre-trial detention orders  (17 in prison and 8 under house arrest) issued by the pre-trial investigating judge (GIP) at the court in Naples, on request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Naples – Antimafia District Directorate.

The suspects are accused of camorra-type crimes since the preliminary investigations carried out highlighted that they were severely suspected of being members of the Mallardo clan, operating in Giugliano in Campania and neighboring districts. The Mallardo clan entered into an alliance with the Contini and  Licciardi Clan, called “Alleanza di Secondigliano”. They are also suspected –  with the aggravating circumstance of the  mafia method –  of extortion, possession of armed weapons, false declarations in the  documents destined for the judicial authorities, aiding and abetting, fictitious registration of assets, re-use of assets of illicit origin, self-laundering, aggravated fraud for the purpose of obtaining public funds.

The investigations assisted in outlining the organizational chart of the Mallardo clan.

The main suspect, who had already been sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder, was placed under house arrest (for health reason) in a district in Piedmont and was authorized to go to Giugliano in Campania (Na) for some days per month to undergo dental care. During a control by the Carabinieri at his flat, where he was under house arrest, he showed a false certificate issued by a willing dentist, who was later arrested.  During his stay in Giugliano, the suspect organized meetings with the other affiliates and managed the illicitly gained proceeds, which were deposited in a common fund destined to assist the affiliates or the families of detained members. Investigations highlighted that the suspect had become “the second-in command” of the clan, managing several criminal activities through his affiliates, in particular extortions at building sites both in Giugliano and  Licola, Varcaturo and Lago Patria, i.e. along the coastal area. He managed the clan also with the assistance of his closest relatives, including his wife, his brother-in-law, who were then arrested on the grounds of membership to the organization.

The suspect, acting as second-in command, settled internal disputes, managing the relations with the breakaway group of   the “palazzine” (group of the building makers)  in Giugliano, and consolidated the historical relations between the Mallardo clan and the Neapolitan  Contini and Licciardi clans. Together they set up the Alleanza di Secondigliano.

Moreover, investigations also highlighted the fictitious registration of assets, in particular of a betting agency (it was de facto managed by the second-in command but was formally registered for his daughter-in law and managed by his son) and other assets, which were registered for strawmen. The assets were put under preventive seizure.

The preventive measure carried out was ordered within pre-trial investigations subject to appeal. The affected parties are under investigation, hence they are considered innocent until a final sentence is passed.

Naples, 7 June 2022