# Italian anti-mafia operations in Naples region

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-anti-mafia-operations-in-naples-region
> Updated: 2026-09-22T15:42:42.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 2.

Italian authorities conducted a major anti-mafia operation in Caivano, near Naples, resulting in the seizure of €3.2 million in cash. The funds, consisting primarily of 50-euro notes wrapped in cellophane, were discovered hidden within the walls, floors, and furniture of an apartment. During the raid, police transported the banknotes from the scene in plastic mop buckets and secured them in an armored vehicle.

In addition to the cash, investigators recovered 11 luxury Rolex watches valued at over €127,000, firearms including Kalashnikovs, and drug-related paraphernalia. The raid, led by prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, resulted in the arrest of 34 individuals allegedly linked to the Angelino clan. The investigation utilized wiretaps from cellphones that had been illegally smuggled to incarcerated mob members.

Gratteri described the clan’s operations as following an ‘entrepreneurial’ model, noting that members worked in shifts to manage drug trafficking and extortion. The scale of the clan’s influence was underscored by the fact that the local government was placed under judicial administration last year. The seized funds are slated to be transferred to the State Justice Fund to support victims of organized crime.

The operation has sparked political debate regarding the effectiveness of the ‘Caivano Model’ crime-prevention program implemented by the Italian government.

## Claims

- Italian authorities seized 3.2 million euros in cash during a raid in Caivano, near Naples. (corroborated by 22 sources)
- The operation resulted in the arrest of 34 individuals. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The cash was found hidden in walls, floors, and furniture of an apartment. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- Police seized 11 luxury Rolex watches, weapons, and drug paraphernalia. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The suspects are allegedly members of the Angelino clan. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- The investigation utilized wiretaps of incarcerated mobsters whose phones were smuggled into prison by relatives. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The criminal group operated using an 'entrepreneurial' model with members working in shifts. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Seized funds will be transferred to the State Justice Fund to support victims of organized crime. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Naples anti-mafia raid seizes 3.2 million euros hidden in apartment walls

Italian police arrested 34 people linked to the Angelino clan and seized 3.2 million euros in cash hidden in walls and floors during a major anti-mafia operation near Naples.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-police-seize-32-million-hidden-in-naples-apartment

### 2026-09-17: Italy authorities uncover luxury tax evasion and embezzlement schemes

Italian authorities have exposed two major fraud cases: a luxury lifestyle tax evasion scheme in Lucca and a million-euro condominium embezzlement scam in Turin.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-authorities-uncover-luxury-tax-evasion-and-embezzlement-schemes

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Cite as: Italian anti-mafia operations in Naples region. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-anti-mafia-operations-in-naples-region