Naples, May 6 – Four people have been arrested in Naples in connection with a series of armed robberies carried out by a gang disguised as law enforcement officers. Two of the arrested individuals are former Carabinieri non-commissioned officers. The suspects, aged between 34 and 70, are believed to have committed nine armed robberies across the provinces of Naples and Caserta between April and July 2023, accumulating an estimated total of 400,000 euros in stolen goods.
The Modus Operandi: Impersonating Law Enforcement
The gang’s method involved meticulous planning to impersonate police or financial police officers. They would arrive at crime scenes with flashing lights, institutional vests, and vehicles identical to those used by law enforcement, all designed to gain the trust of their victims before striking. This elaborate deception, however, raised suspicions among investigators.
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Investigation Initiated by a 2023 Robbery
The investigation began following a robbery on February 15, 2023, targeting a social cooperative in Naples. On that occasion, a commando of eight individuals, dressed as financial police, stormed the premises using two stolen cars with cloned license plates and equipped with flashing lights. The swift, almost ‘institutional’ nature of the operation prompted a deeper look by the authorities.
The Scope of the Criminal Enterprise
Through technical surveillance and other investigative activities, law enforcement officials pieced together a broader picture of the gang’s activities. Between April and July 2023, the group allegedly carried out nine armed robberies, both attempted and successful, across the provinces of Naples and Caserta. The total value of the stolen goods is estimated to be around 400,000 euros.
Former Carabinieri Officers Among the Accused
What makes this case particularly disturbing is the involvement of two former Carabinieri non-commissioned officers among those taken into custody. These individuals had previously been dismissed from the force after being arrested and convicted for property crimes. Investigators believe their intimate knowledge of operational procedures and dynamics contributed significantly to the effectiveness of the robberies.
Discovery of a Hideout and Criminal Paraphernalia
Searches conducted during the investigation led to the discovery of a ‘hideout’ in the municipality of Casalnuovo di Napoli. This depot served as a logistical base where the gang stored an arsenal of weapons, bulletproof vests, masks, and wigs. Furthermore, fake identification cards, uniforms, caps, vests, and batons resembling those of the Guardia di Finanza and the Carabinieri were found, all crucial elements for making their impersonations credible.
Past Criminal Activities of the Ex-Officers
The two former Carabinieri officers involved in the current operation were previously investigated in 2008 as members of a group specializing in bank and post office assaults using the ‘hole’ technique. This involved digging underground tunnels from sewage systems or adjacent premises to directly access vaults or protected areas, often operating at night or during weekends. One of them was arrested in November 2012 in connection with a robbery of a ‘Terra di Lavoro’ armored van on the SS Sannitica, near Caivano. That robbery yielded 200,000 euros and resulted from a shootout.
Legal Proceedings and Future Actions
The agents of the Naples Mobile Squad executed a precautionary measure order issued by the Neapolitan Court at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Four individuals have been imprisoned, while three others have been placed under mandatory residence in their respective municipalities. In total, seven individuals are under investigation for various aggravated robberies, both committed and attempted.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to uncover any further connections or criminal activities related to the gang. The arrests highlight the persistent challenge of organized crime and the lengths to which criminals will go to exploit vulnerabilities, even by impersonating those sworn to uphold the law.
The public is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The collaboration between citizens and law enforcement is crucial in combating such sophisticated criminal operations.
