Political corruption 'helped Mob thrive', says Camorra boss

(ANSA) - Naples, May 28 - Antonio Iovine, a top Camorra boss turned State witness, has told prosecutors that the Neapolitan mafia was able to thrive thanks to the complicity of widespread corruption in the local political system. "There was money for everyone in a system that was completely corrupt," Iovine told investigations days ago. "It made no difference what political side a mayor came from because the system operated, and operates, in the same way...
    "I'm well aware of the crimes that I've stained myself with. But I'm explaining to you a system in which the Camorra is not the only one to blame". Iovine's statements were rendered public on Wednesday after being presented as evidence in a criminal trial. Iovine, also known as 'o ninno', is considered one of the four former bosses of the powerful Casalesi Camorra clan from Casal di Principe in the province of Caserta, whose death threats have forced anti-mafia writer Roberto Saviano into 24-hour police protection.
    The others are Francesco Bidognetti, Francesco Schiavone (aka Sandokan) and Michele Zagaria.
    Iovine, 50, is currently serving a life sentence for multiple murder and other crimes under Italy's tough prison regime for organised criminals, the so-called article 41-bis, after being captured in November 2010 following 15 years on the run.
    He was sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia in January 2010 along with Bidognetti, Schiavone and Zagaria following the 12-year so-called Spartacus maxi trial against the Casalesi clan.