Mafia accused of using Naples hospital for fraud and illegal transport of corpses

The Guardian World

by Lorenzo Tondo in Palermo

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Italian police have arrested four individuals tied to the Camorra, Naples’ powerful mafia organization, following an investigation into their alleged infiltration of San Giovanni Bosco hospital. The probe, which was initiated by a state witness’s testimony, revealed a web of criminal activities involving the Contini clan. These included staging fake car crashes to claim insurance payouts and illegally transporting corpses using oxygen-masked stretchers for private ambulance transfers, all as part of lucrative schemes. The operation, described as “possible only through the organization’s capacity for intimidation,” involved coercing public officials and private citizens alike into aiding their criminal enterprises. The hospital environment was exploited to facilitate these activities, highlighting the deep-rooted influence of organized crime in Neapolitan institutions. Prosecutors emphasized how the Camorra’s control extended beyond its traditional territories, embedding themselves within critical public infrastructure to further their illegal interests. This case underscores the broader issue of mafia infiltration into key sectors of society and the challenges it poses to public trust and governance. The arrests mark a significant step in efforts to dismantle the Camorra’s networks, but the scale of their operations suggests ongoing battles between law enforcement and organized crime groups. Such cases not only raise concerns about corruption but also highlight the need for stronger anti-mafia measures to protect vulnerable institutions like healthcare facilities. The broader implications of this investigation extend beyond

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/26/2026