Sep 30 2008
Leading Naples mafia clan dismantled
Over one hundred suspected members of the powerful Neapolitan Casalesi clan were arrested Tuesday in a major crackdown by Italian security forces. Three of the arrested are accused of murdering six West African immigrants earlier this month.
Three suspected killers accused of murdering six West African immigrants in Castelvolturno, near Naples, earlier this month, have been arrested this morning in a large security operation against one of the most powerful clans of the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia.
The paramilitary Carabinieri raided a small villa at dawn where the three men, members of the violent Casalesi clan, had been hiding. Two Kalashnikov and large bore guns were seized during the arrests.
According to local media, the immigrants have been the victims of a gangland killing link to the control of drug trafficking, which is the Camorra’s main source of income.
In a parallel operation, security forces have arrested 107 other suspected members of the Casalesi clan accused of mafia association, murders, and extorsion.
“It is a beautiful day for the Italian State”, said Carmelo Casabona, police chief of Caserta, the region’s main town, to Italian television channel SKY TG 24.
More than 600 security personnel have been involved in the morning raid. They are also seizing an estimated 100 million euros of assets belonging to the Casalesi clan.
These arrests are the climax of several years of difficult enquiries, according to local police officers. Many racket victims have refused to collaborate with the security forces by fear of retaliation.
The Italian government announced last week that 500 military troops will be mobilized to support security forces in the fight against organized crime in the region of Naples.
“The soldiers will go to the areas where a better control of the territory is required”, said Interior Minister Roberto Maroni.
Leading Naples mafia clan dismantled - By By Alexis Masciarelli, France 24 correspondent in Rome - Tuesday 30 September 2008 - FRANCE 24 - This story was found at: http://www.france24.com/en/20080930-naples-mafia-casalesi-clan-dismantled-crackdown-italy-camorra-murder-drug-trafficking
