Rome: Three Police Officers Arrested for Drug Trafficking and Leaking Information to Local Boss
Three police officers have been arrested in Rome as part of an investigation by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) into a drug trafficking association. The arrests, which took place on Tuesday, were carried out by the Anti-Mafia Investigative Directorate (DIA) of Rome, with the participation of personnel from the Rome Police Headquarters, Carabinieri, and Guardia di Finanza. Dario Scascitelli, Matteo Vita, and Danilo Barberi, aged 42, 39, and 52 respectively, were taken into custody. These officers were previously serving at the Salario Parioli police station and had been involved in other investigations, including one a year ago concerning robberies during searches.
Allegations: Drug Dealing and Leaking Confidential Data to a Boss
According to the prosecution, the officers were allegedly involved in possessing and dealing drugs. Furthermore, they are accused of illicitly accessing the SDI system, which contains sensitive personal information, and subsequently revealing investigative details and other confidential data to Guerino Primavera, who is considered a boss in the Tufello district. Primavera was also among those arrested, along with Paolo Francesco Barravecchia, Simone Febbi, and Giulio Lorenzo Bertinazzi.
The Investigation: How Corrupt Officers Operated
The investigation, which began in 2024, revealed that the criminal group provided information to the corrupt police officers regarding the presence of drug couriers, including those from rival criminal organizations. This information allowed the officers to conduct searches and make arrests. However, only a portion of the seized drugs was officially recorded, with the remainder allegedly being sold back to traffickers.
Key findings from the investigation, supported by a collaborating witness and intercepted conversations between the boss and his wife, include:
- July 2024: A seizure of 13 kilograms of drugs in a cellar in Case Rosse, near Rome, led to the arrest of a trafficker. However, only three kilograms were officially reported, with the remaining ten allegedly disappearing.
- September 12, 2024: Five more kilograms of drugs were allegedly handed over by the officers for a transaction between Barravecchia and Bertinazzi.
- October 3, 2024: Twenty kilograms of drugs were seized after a van from Fondi was stopped, leading to two arrests. Yet, only just over four kilograms of cocaine were officially recorded in the reports.
It is also estimated that Barberi made over 100 unauthorized accesses to the police force’s IT system for the benefit of the boss.
Impact on Public Trust and Ongoing Efforts
This case highlights a serious breach of public trust and underscores the ongoing challenges in combating organized crime and corruption within law enforcement. The District Anti-Mafia Directorate’s swift action demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the justice system and ensuring public safety in Rome.
Further Developments Expected
The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are anticipated as authorities continue to unravel the full extent of the alleged criminal network. The community awaits more details as the legal process unfolds, hoping for a thorough resolution to this troubling case of police corruption.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_17/tufello-tre-poliziotti-indagati-per-droga-passavano-notizie-e-informazioni-riservate-al-boss-del-quartiere-b3c74b94-dfc9-4206-8971-b38a1543axlk.shtml
