Seven Arrested in Rome’s Magliana for Drug Trafficking and Planned Murders
Rome, May 29 – Seven individuals have been arrested in the Magliana and Trullo districts of Rome following an extensive operation by the Carabinieri provincial command. The arrests target a sophisticated drug trafficking organization allegedly involved in large-scale narcotics distribution, prostitution, and the planning of violent crimes, including murders, using military-grade weaponry.
Leaders Identified, Violent Past Uncovered
Investigators believe the organization was led by Sergio Gioacchini and Roberto Caputo. Gioacchini is the brother of Andrea Gioacchini, known as “Barbetta,” who was fatally shot on January 10, 2019, in Via Castiglion Fibocchi. Andrea Gioacchini was killed while dropping his children off at nursery school and was in a car with his partner, who was also wounded. Intercepted conversations reveal Sergio Gioacchini and Roberto Caputo discussing the acquisition of assault rifles and pump-action shotguns, described as “weapons with high offensive capabilities,” along with easily concealable silenced pistols. These weapons were reportedly intended for planned assassinations, including those of Ugo Di Giovanni, a prominent figure in the Senese clan, whom Gioacchino held responsible for his brother’s death, and Ettore Abramo, a Lazio ultra leader and associate of Fabrizio Piscitelli, known as “Diabolik,” who was murdered on August 7, 2019. Abramo had reportedly had a dispute with Caputo.
War-Grade Weapons Seized in Raids
Further evidence of the group’s dangerous nature emerged during searches conducted on Friday morning, which included individuals under investigation. Authorities seized a Kalashnikov AK47 assault rifle, a sawn-off shotgun, and a Skorpion submachine gun, along with ammunition. Additionally, three luxury watches, over 600 grams of cocaine, and other types of drugs were confiscated.
Extensive Drug Network and Brutal Violence
The Carabinieri investigation, coordinated by magistrates from the District Anti-Mafia Directorate, uncovered a vast drug trafficking operation involving 500 kilograms of hashish and cocaine. The probe also revealed instances of extreme violence, including the brutal beating of an accomplice who owed the organization 20,000 euros, resulting in severe facial injuries and a perforated lung. The gang was also involved in the exploitation of a drug-addicted female drug dealer, who was forced to pay 50 euros to the group for each sexual service performed in an apartment provided by the bosses. During the operation, two additional individuals were arrested for drug possession, and assets belonging to one of the organization’s leaders were seized.
Encrypted Chats and International Connections
The operation was initiated through the interception and decryption of encrypted chats on a platform, which required a European judicial order from Paris. This breakthrough allowed investigators to reconstruct the drug trafficking network, which extended to South America, particularly Argentina and Brazil. However, the network faced difficulties in 2020-2021 due to flight restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, the organization continued to distribute cocaine and hashish in various areas of Rome. Investigators also revealed that Caputo, who was already under house arrest, had connections with Elvis Demce, a close associate of “Diabolik.” In 2028, Caputo was reportedly seen at a restaurant in Grottaferrata with Piscitelli and Fabrizio Fabretti, a key figure in Roman drug trafficking, who is currently detained and under investigation in this latest operation.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The arrests signify a significant blow to organized crime in Rome, particularly in the Magliana and Trullo areas. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and identify any remaining members of the criminal network. The operation underscores the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking, violent crime, and exploitation within the city. The community hopes that these arrests will lead to a reduction in criminal activity and an improvement in public safety in the affected neighborhoods.
