Three Arrested in Scisciano Murder Investigation
NAPLES, Italy, February 15, 2026 – Carabinieri from the Castello di Cisterna Investigative Unit have executed an arrest warrant against three individuals strongly suspected of involvement in the murder of Ottavio Colalongo. Colalongo was killed on the evening of December 17, 2025, in Scisciano, a town in the metropolitan area of Naples. The arrests follow an investigation by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA) of Naples, which alleges the crime was aggravated by mafia methods and aimed at facilitating the Luongo – Covone – Aloia camorra clan.
A Brutal Execution Amidst Clan Warfare
The murder of Ottavio Colalongo is reportedly rooted in a violent struggle between rival clans vying for control over criminal activities in the strategic territories of Marigliano, Scisciano, and San Vitaliano. According to investigators, Colalongo was riding his Honda SH scooter when he was ambushed by assailants who fired multiple shots, delivering a final fatal blow to his face after he had fallen to the ground. This brutal act is seen not merely as a killing, but as a deliberate message within the ongoing gang conflict.
The three suspects are believed to have acted as both masterminds and perpetrators in the killing. Their alleged motive was to secure control of drug dealing territories, specifically in opposition to the rival Filippini criminal group. It is important to note that the executed measure is a precautionary one, issued during preliminary investigations. The individuals are currently under investigation and are presumed innocent until a definitive sentence is passed.
Previous Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
This latest development follows an earlier detention order issued by the Naples District Anti-Mafia Directorate against eight individuals believed to be responsible for Colalongo’s murder. That order, signed by prosecutor Henry John Woodcock, came just over a month after the crime. The ongoing investigation underscores the persistent efforts by law enforcement to dismantle organized crime networks in the Campania region.
The Carabinieri continue their work to fully understand the dynamics of the clan war and bring all those responsible for the murder to justice. The community of Scisciano and the wider Naples area remain on alert as authorities address the challenges posed by organized crime.
Background of Organized Crime in Naples
Naples and its surrounding areas have historically been affected by the presence of various camorra clans. These groups often engage in turf wars over lucrative illicit activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal gambling. Such conflicts frequently result in violence, with assassinations and retaliatory attacks being common tactics to assert dominance and control over territories. The DDA plays a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting mafia-related crimes, aiming to disrupt the operations of these powerful criminal organizations.
The murder of Ottavio Colalongo serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle between law enforcement and organized crime in southern Italy. Authorities are committed to ensuring public safety and maintaining order in communities affected by these criminal enterprises.
