Today in history: On September 16, 2005 – The Camorra organized crime boss Paolo Di Lauro is arrested in Naples, Italy.

 

In 2005, Paolo Di Lauro, one of Italy’s most notorious organized crime bosses, was arrested in Naples after years on the run. Known as “Ciruzzo ’o milionario” (“Little Cyril the millionaire”), Di Lauro was the head of the Di Lauro clan, a powerful faction of the Camorra, the mafia-like criminal syndicate that has long dominated Naples. His criminal empire controlled drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal businesses across the city and beyond, amassing immense wealth and influence. For years, he evaded capture, living quietly in Naples itself, blending into the neighborhoods where his syndicate thrived. His ability to remain hidden while surrounded by law enforcement efforts reflected both his cunning and the deep social roots of the Camorra in Neapolitan life.

Di Lauro’s arrest marked a significant moment in Italy’s battle against organized crime. It came in the wake of violent turf wars between his clan and breakaway groups, which left dozens dead in the streets of Naples in what became known as the “Scampia feud.” Authorities believed that weakening Di Lauro’s leadership was crucial to reducing bloodshed and dismantling the clan’s operations. While his capture was celebrated as a victory for law enforcement, it did not completely end the Camorra’s power. His children and associates continued to exert influence, and splinter factions filled the vacuum left by his downfall. Nonetheless, the arrest of Paolo Di Lauro symbolized the Italian state’s determination to take on entrenched criminal organizations, even when they seemed untouchable.

See also: Today in history: On September 16, 1975 – Papua New Guinea gains independence from Australia.