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.