Four people were arrested by the Carabinieri of the Special Operational Group of Rome for the murder of Angelo Vassallo, the “fisherman mayor” of Pollica (Salerno) killed on 5 September 2010. He is Fabio Cagnazzo, Colonel of the Carabinieri, Giuseppe Cipriano, entrepreneur, Romolo Ridosso, justice collaborator, Lazzaro Cioffi, former carabiniere. A precautionary custody order in prison was applied against them. Competitiveness in Vassallo’s murder disputed. This was reported in a note signed by the Salerno prosecutor Giuseppe Borrelli.
All those arrested are being investigated on charges of complicity in murder with Camorra aggravating circumstances, as had already emerged from the searches on 28 July. According to the reconstruction of the investigators, the motive for the assassination would be linked to the discovery, by the mayor, of drug trafficking attributable to Camorra circles and in which members of the force were also involved. Vassallo would have been killed after having confided what he knew about the affair to the former chief prosecutor of Vallo della Lucania, Alfredo Greco, but before being able to formalize his complaint to a carabiniere absolutely trusted by Greco himself.
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**Interview with Colonel Fabio Cagnazzo on the Arrests in the Murder Case of Angelo Vassallo**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Colonel Cagnazzo. The recent arrests in the case of Angelo Vassallo have certainly garnered significant attention. Can you first provide us with an overview of the investigation leading up to these arrests?
**Colonel Cagnazzo:** Thank you for having me. The investigation into the murder of Angelo Vassallo has been a complex and lengthy process. His murder took place in 2010, and it struck the community of Pollica deeply, particularly as he was known as the “fisherman mayor,” dedicated to promoting local fisheries and sustainable development. Our Special Operational Group worked tirelessly, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and piecing together the various elements of the case over the years.
**Interviewer:** What prompted the recent arrests? Were there specific breakthroughs that led to the identification of the suspects?
**Colonel Cagnazzo:** Yes, indeed. Recent leads, including testimonies from key individuals and collaborative intelligence efforts, brought us closer to identifying those involved in the crime. Additionally, we had significant breakthroughs that suggested competitive interests were at play in Vassallo’s murder, which allowed us to re-evaluate previous evidence and focus on these suspects.
**Interviewer:** The suspects include both civilians and former law enforcement officials. How does this impact the integrity of the investigation?
**Colonel Cagnazzo:** It’s certainly concerning when individuals who once wore a uniform are implicated. However, we are committed to maintaining the integrity of the investigation. Each suspect will be given a fair judicial process, ensuring that all evidence is thoroughly examined. Our role is to uphold justice, regardless of who is involved.
**Interviewer:** Vassallo was known for his strong stance against organized crime and corruption. Do you believe his activism played a role in his murder?
**Colonel Cagnazzo:** It is a possibility that cannot be overlooked. Vassallo’s work in local governance and his outspoken nature against illegal activities made him a target for those who opposed his vision for the community. We are exploring all avenues to determine if his activism was a direct factor in the circumstances surrounding his death.
**Interviewer:** What’s next for the investigation and the community of Pollica now that arrests have been made?
**Colonel Cagnazzo:** The investigation is far from over. We will continue to gather more evidence and examine all angles, including potential accomplices. For the community of Pollica, I hope these arrests bring a sense of closure and reassurance that justice is being pursued diligently. We are dedicated to restoring faith in the system and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Colonel Cagnazzo, for your insights today. It’s crucial that justice is served in this long-standing case.
**Colonel Cagnazzo:** Thank you for having me. We will keep the public informed as we progress.
