Major Police Operation Captures Three Key Camorra Members
Three high-ranking members of the notorious Camorra mafia were apprehended in Marbella on Sunday, 12 January, following years of evading a European arrest warrant. The successful operation was a result of a joint effort by the Italian and Spanish police forces.
Arrested: The “Men of Honour”
The three individuals, who referred to themselves as “men of honour” due to their strict mafia code of conduct, were wanted for a series of serious crimes. These included murder, arms-trafficking, money-laundering, and receiving stolen goods.
Leader of Dangerous Family Clan Among the Arrested
Investigators revealed that one of the suspects was the head of a dangerous family clan. He had been hiding in Spain to evade Italian justice. Alongside him, two other members of the same group, his son and son-in-law, were also implicated. Both were linked to the Italian Camorra.
Younger Suspect Facing 30-Year Sentence
The younger suspect was being pursued by Italian authorities for a 30-year prison sentence for attempted murder. The other fugitive was facing a 20-year sentence for drug-trafficking and tobacco-smuggling.
Investigation Leads to Marbella Residential Area
Due to the severity of the crimes, the Italian police initiated an investigation in close collaboration with the Italian liaison officer in Madrid. The investigation led them to a residential area in Marbella, where the family clan was hiding, despite their heavy security measures.
Surveillance Operation Leads to Arrests
The family members never left their house, according to the National Police, until Sunday. Officers conducting the surveillance operation spotted the son leaving the complex. Despite his attempts to detect police presence, he was followed and arrested in a central area of Marbella.
Swift Action Prevents Clan Members from Fleeing
Fearing that the remaining clan members might escape the country, investigators quickly arrested the other two members as they were about to leave the house.
Triple Arrest a “Significant Blow” to Criminal Group
The arrest of these individuals, who are considered leading figures in the Formicola-Marigliano clan, one of Naples’ most significant, was hailed as a “significant blow” to the criminal group by Italy’s minister of the interior, Matteo Piantedosi. Piantedosi also praised the “extraordinary collaboration” between the Italian and Spanish security forces, noting the significant presence of Camorra members in Spain due to their influence on international drug-trafficking routes.
