Melito Porto Salvo – Last night, the Carabinieri of the Reggio Calabria Provincial Command succeeded in dealing a blow to organized crime.. In a coordinated operation, officers executed an arrest warrant against a 78-year-old man from Montebello Jonico who is strongly suspected of having systematically exploited a building contractor over a period of several years.. The raid was preceded by intensive investigations by the Anti-Mafia Directorate, which paint a disturbing picture of local conditions..
The Mafia's 6 percent rule
The victim's ordeal began back in 2015.. According to investigators' reconstruction of events, the suspect demanded a fixed levy from the owner of a construction company on all public contracts that the latter was able to secure in the district of Melito Porto Salvo.. The required tribute was precisely calculated: the entrepreneur had to cede six percent of the order value.. The total amount extorted over the years is said to have been around 30,000 euros..
But the suspect's financial hunger was apparently not satisfied by this. The authorities documented further extortion attempts totaling €114,000.. According to the public prosecutor's office, the 78-year-old used classic methods of the ‚Ndrangheta to emphasize his demands.. He bragged about his criminal career and his connections to the organized crime world..
Threats and arson attacks
The psychological pressure on the entrepreneur was enormous. Investigators speak of a „suffocating imposition“ that drove the man to the brink of despair.. The suspect lay in wait for workers on construction sites, disrupted operations with his constant presence, and made unambiguous threats of retaliation.. Specifically, arson and property damage were threatened if the protection money was not paid..
The fact that this cycle of fear has now been broken is thanks to the entrepreneur's moral courage.. Contrary to the often prevailing law of silence, he turned to the Carabinieri and actively cooperated in the investigation.. After his arrest, the suspect was taken to Arghillà prison.. Until a final conviction, the presumption of innocence applies..
