Extortion Attempt Leads to Arrest in Naples
Naples, February 2, 2026 – On Saturday afternoon, State Police in Naples arrested a 31-year-old man from Guinea on charges of extortion. The individual, who has a prior police record and is irregularly present in national territory, was apprehended during an arranged meeting to return a mobile phone.
The ‘Horse Return’ Scheme
The incident, colloquially known as a ‘cavallo di ritorno’ scheme (a type of extortion where a stolen item is offered for sale back to its owner), unfolded when the victim, whose mobile phone was allegedly lost or stolen, was contacted by the suspect. The suspect demanded a sum of money for the return of the device.
Upon receiving the demand, the victim immediately reported the incident to the police. Law enforcement officials then set up a sting operation, arranging for the exchange to take place at a specified location in the city.
Police Intervention and Arrest
When the 31-year-old man arrived at the agreed-upon meeting point to collect the money for the phone’s return, police officers were already present and waiting. They intervened swiftly, apprehending the suspect on the spot.
Further details regarding the investigation, including the exact location of the arrest and the amount of money demanded, have not yet been fully disclosed by the authorities. However, the arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of the State Police to combat such criminal activities in the region.
The suspect is now facing charges of extortion, and his legal status in Italy is also under review due to his irregular presence in the country. The mobile phone was successfully recovered and returned to its rightful owner.
This incident follows other recent crime reports in Naples, including drug-related arrests, incidents involving aggressive individuals, and various controls in nightlife areas, indicating a sustained focus on public safety and order by local law enforcement.
