Costantino Russo, son of Camorra boss, dies in prison amid anti‑mafia probe

Costantino Russo, 39, the son of Giuseppe “Peppe o’ Padrino” Russo, a former leader of the Casalesi clan, was found dead in a cell at the Secondigliano prison near Naples. He had been arrested on 7 July in a joint operation by the DIA and the Guardia di Finanza and was considered the new head of the Russo‑Schiavone faction of the Camorra. After his arrest he began cooperating with magistrates, a decision approved by his family.

The Naples Anti‑Mafia Directorate (DDA) opened an investigation into his death, which authorities describe as either a heart attack or a suicide. The probe also highlighted the clan’s extensive money‑laundering network, leading to the seizure of about €2 million in assets, including 14 businesses such as gelaterias, bars, beach establishments and luxury watches across the province of Caserta and Naples.

Investigators say the seized companies were used to clean illicit proceeds from drug trafficking and extortion. The death and the asset seizures underscore the ongoing crackdown on the Casalesi organization.