Naples-Caserta illegal waste trafficking bust results in arrests

Carabinieri of the Environmental and Energy Security Unit (NOE) carried out a coordinated raid in the provinces of Napoli and Caserta, executing a custodial order on 22 May 2026. Two suspects were placed in custody and nine people are under investigation for organised illegal waste trafficking, money‑laundering and association with the mafia.

Investigators say the scheme involved roughly 25 000 tonnes of non‑hazardous special waste – mainly sludge from water‑treatment plants and demolition inert material – that was dumped on agricultural lands in Capua, Mondragone and Castel Volturno and in two nearby natural ponds. Additional waste was mixed into a large construction site at Bosco Fangone in Nola.

The operation centred on a company headquartered in Castel Volturno, allegedly linked to the Bidognetti faction of the Casalesi clan through a cooperating witness. The network falsified transport documents, labeling the sludge as “sand” or ordinary demolition debris.

Authorities seized assets valued at about €1.6 million, including the company complex, vehicles, land parcels and buildings. Residents reported strong odours and environmental concerns following the illegal discharges.