A raid by the Naples anti-mafia division uncovered a huge cash fortune meticulously hidden inside an apartment in Caivano, north of Naples. Police also seized 11 Rolex watches, firearms and materials intended for drug trafficking. The 34 suspects are members of the Angelino clan, which had infiltrated the local administration so deeply that last year the municipality was placed under judicial oversight.

(Staff: Italy / Justice & Organized Crime)

A large-scale operation by the anti-mafia unit of the Naples Public Prosecutor’s Office led to one of the most spectacular cash seizures in recent years. On Monday, police raided an apartment in Caivano, north of Naples, where they discovered €3.2 million in €50 notes, wrapped in plastic and hidden under floor tiles, inside walls and in secret drawers in furniture. The money had been concealed so carefully that a thorough search was needed to find it.

34 arrests and massive seizures

As part of the same operation, authorities arrested 34 people, considered members of the Angelino clan, a mafia organization known for its influence in the region. According to police, the suspects are accused of participation in a mafia organization, drug trafficking, extortion and possession of drugs for the purpose of sale.

In addition to the €3.2 million, investigators seized 11 Rolex watches, firearms and materials intended for drug trafficking.

The investigation: phones hidden in prison and protected informants

The investigation lasted several months and was made possible through a combination of methods. According to the authorities, investigators were able to map the organization after intercepting the phones of mafia members in prison. These devices were allegedly brought into the prison by family members. In addition, statements from protected informants played an important role in outlining the network.

The Angelino clan and control over Caivano

The Angelino clan is one of the best-known mafia groups in the Naples area. According to investigators, its influence over the municipality of Caivano was so deep that last year the local administration was placed under judicial oversight. This measure was taken precisely to eliminate mafia infiltration from public institutions.

The money seized for victims of organized crime

The €3.2 million seized will be transferred to Italy’s Justice Fund, which supports victims of organized crime. It is a significant symbolic gesture, intended to show that wealth illegally accumulated by the mafia can be recovered and used for the benefit of society.

Conclusion

The operation in Caivano once again demonstrates the ability of the Italian authorities to strike at the financial structures of the mafia. The discovery of €3.2 million hidden in walls and floors is evidence of the enormous resources these organizations handle, but also of investigators’ determination to pursue them. The arrest of the 34 alleged members of the Angelino clan represents an important blow to the organized crime network in Campania.