# Organized crime violence in Italy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-violence-in-italy
> Updated: 2026-10-24T05:23:46.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 2.

Violent incidents involving organized crime figures have been reported in different Italian regions. In Naples, a targeted shooting in the Scampia district left Mariano Abete, the nephew of incarcerated crime boss Arcangelo Abete, with serious leg injuries. Investigators are examining potential internal disputes or conflicts over local drug market control. In Calabria, an armed commando carried out a deadly ambush in the Lattughelle area near the border of Cassano all’Ionio and Corigliano-Rossano. The attack, which occurred around midnight on October 24, 2026, resulted in the death of 60-year-old Silvana Sibarelli. Her husband, 64-year-old Damiano Pepe—a leader of the Abbruzzese-Pepe clan known as ‘Tripolino’—was seriously wounded in the attack. Pepe, who was released from prison in 2019 after serving 26 years for murder and mafia association, was treated at hospitals in Corigliano-Rossano and Cosenza following surgery. Preliminary reports suggest the gunmen targeted the couple near their home. One account indicates Pepe attempted to flee on foot after realizing the danger, while Sibarelli was fatally struck after stepping outside following the initial gunfire. Local authorities have described the violence as having the ‘recognizable signature’ of the ‘Ndrangheta. Investigators noted that approximately thirty shots were fired from long weapons, including the possible use of a Kalashnikov. The motive is suspected to be linked to internal mafia feuds or power struggles, specifically a potential clash between the Abbruzzese and Forastefano groups. In response to the ambush, Mayor Gianpaolo Iacobini has requested the Prefect to convene the Committee for Order and Public Security. Senator Ernesto Rapani has called for an increased military presence through the ‘Strade Sicure’ operation to bolster regional security. Additionally, Bishop Francesco Savino and the Mayor have scheduled a public assembly for October 26 to address community security concerns.

## Claims

- Damiano Pepe was seriously wounded in the attack. (corroborated by 24 sources)
- Silvana Sibarelli was killed in an armed ambush. (corroborated by 23 sources)
- The attack occurred in the Lattughelle area near Cassano all’Ionio and Corigliano-Rossano. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The attack involved an armed commando opening fire at close range. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Damiano Pepe is considered a leader of the Abbruzzese-Pepe clan. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Damiano Pepe was treated at the Annunziata hospital in Cosenza. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The investigation is being transferred to the DDA of Catanzaro. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Damiano Pepe was released from prison in 2019 after serving 26 years for murder and mafia association. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The attackers used long guns, possibly a Kalashnikov. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Approximately thirty shots were fired during the attack. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The attack may be a clash between the Abbruzzese and Forastefano clans. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Calabria mafia ambush kills woman and wounds boss Damiano Pepe

A mafia ambush in Cassano all’Ionio, Calabria, killed Silvana Sibarelli and seriously wounded 'ndrangheta figure Damiano Pepe. Investigators suspect a clan feud and are transferring the case to the DDA of Cat':

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/damiano-pepe-targeted-in-armed-ambush-in-calabria

### 2026-09-30: Scampia shooting targets nephew of crime boss Arcangelo Abete

A shooting targeting Mariano Abete, nephew of a prominent Scampia crime boss, has heightened fears of a gang war in Naples, alongside a separate incident involving a barricaded individual.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scampia-shooting-targets-nephew-of-crime-boss-arcangelo-abete

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Cite as: Organized crime violence in Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/organized-crime-violence-in-italy