2 Affiliates of the Licciardi Clan of the Camorra from Italy Arrested in New Jersey
July 10th, 2008

A Camorra-linked gang of criminals distributed counterfeit items in the New York area, Connecticut and New Jersey. These items, usually clothing or electronics, were sold on the streets, by street vendors, either in flea markets, or on the Internet, authorities say. The band belonged to the Licciardi clan, from Secondigliano, one of the most powerful clans of the Camorra.

The network was led by Giovanni DeMaio, 58, from Cliffside Park, New Jersey. The counterfeit items (video cameras, mp3s, clothing) were imported by DeMaio's company, LaPalma Imports .

The group of criminals, a dozen people, had been sent from Naples by the Licciardi clan. Investigations began seven months ago when detectives learned that DeMaio was involved in the forgery.

On July 10, 2008, US authorities, armed with warrants, searched DeMaio's home, his company's warehouse in North Bergen, New Jersey, and a house in Palisades Park where many of the members involved in the counterfeit ring lived.

While searching for counterfeit merchandise, investigators discovered two semi-automatic handguns, mufflers for the weapons, two revolvers, a shotgun, handcuffs, explosives, and a disguise (a hat with a wig sewn onto it).

Hundreds of counterfeit items, including fake Apple iPods , were found in the warehouse.
A good part of the profits of the operation were sent to the mob bosses in Naples, Italy.

DeMaio is charged with counterfeiting, illegal possession of firearms, explosives, hollow point bullets (dum-dum).

Ciro Zuppardi, 44, of Palisades Park, was also arrested on July 10 and is charged with trademark infringement.

On the afternoon of Wednesday July 16, 2008, DeMaio pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Why hasn't this gotten more attention amongst us mob buffs? Camorra presence in the US? The Licciardi Clan is one of the most wealthiest and powerful Camorra clans in Italy. If they have LCN ties, what Family would they most likely be linked to?

They don't need the US mafia help to sell fake items.

That's true, but it doesn't mean there aren't any links or interactions.

I never liked people's general attitude when trying to post news from Italy on LCN pages, on Facebook, for instance. Like if it's not American it doesn't count. The mob is the mob, it doesn't matter if it's in America, Bumfuck, Egypt, or on fucking Mars.

According to Mafia Export there were/are members of the Licciardi clan in Boston, Chicago, Miami and New Jersey.

Mafia export
Francesco Forgione
Thrillers & Suspense
1 Favorite
Cosa Nostra and Camorra have conquered the world ,In Mafia Export, Francesco Forgione, the former chairman of the Italian parliamentary inquiry into the Mafia, paints a disturbing picture of the international spread of Italian crime syndicates. He describes how the Cosa Nostra, the Camorra and the 'Ndrangheta have built up a flourishing international drug trade.

Forgione shows how Mafia families have established themselves all over the world – sometimes by moving half of villages from southern Italy: in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, France and England, but also in North America and Australia. And he shows that their influence sometimes extends to the highest echelons of politics and business.

The book is written in an entertaining, almost cinematic style with many anecdotes, detailed descriptions and shocking facts. It is illustrated with maps showing the international spread of the Mafia.

Thanks Hollander