During the first half of 2023, organized crime in Puglia did not record any significant changes in the general reference framework. Control of the territory is confirmed as an essential element of Apulian mafia associations, as a source of growth and sustenance, ensured through extortion, theft and robberies perpetrated in some cases even by minors. This is reported in the Dia report on the first half of 2023.
From a criminal point of view, 4 hegemonic clans can currently be considered present in the metropolitan city of Bari, mostly corresponding to as many mafia families historically rooted in the Apulian capital, with ramifications in the province and projections also in different areas of the Region, namely: the CAPRIATI , the STRISCIUGLIO, the PARISI-PALERMITI and the DIOMEDE-MERCANTE. The DI COSOLA clan, weakened by the death of its top member as well as by the contrasting activity of the institutions, although it is experiencing a moment of strong internal friction, would nevertheless show signs of possible attempts at reconstitution and reaffirmation. A plurality of smaller groups are subordinate to the aforementioned hegemonic clans, with limited operational autonomy, among these are the MISCEO, MONTANI, ANEMOLO, FIORE-RISOLI, DI COSIMO-RAFASCHIERI, LORUSSO, VELLUTO and TELEGRAFO groups.
The CAPRIATI clan is historically active in the Borgo Antico of Bari as well as, through its representatives, in the Fesca neighborhoods and in the San Cataldo area and in a large portion of the province of Bari and in some centers of the BAT province. The association is mainly dedicated to drug trafficking, extortion and the management of gambling. Given the prolonged state of detention of the historical head of the clan, several regents have joined him over time, including the last one, murdered on 21 November 2018.
The STRISCIUGLIO clan (clan of the “moon”) is active in the Borgo Antico of Bari as well as, through its branches, in the Libertà, Stanic, San Paolo, San Girolamo, Palese, Santo Spirito, San Pio – Catino, Carbonara, Ceglie del Campo and Madonnella and is active in drug trafficking, extortion, usury, recycling and distribution of drug equipment
game/entertainment. The clan, which is based on the classic rites of mafia affiliation, is divided into interacting groups respecting the different territories of influence and the autonomy of each, with its own top exponents, middle managers, crime labourers, soldiers and fire groups. The organization in question can be considered the largest and most aggressive among the Bari clans. In the period in question, the predatory attitude of the clan emerged more relevant than ever and, with violence and intimidating force, continues to harass entrepreneurs and traders from Bari.
The PARISI-PALERMITI clan is historically rooted in the Japigia neighborhood of Bari and is on the rise throughout the province. Despite his long detention, its historic leader is able to act as guarantor of the criminal balance between the various Bari gangs. He is active in the sector of extortion, usury, drug trafficking, hydrocarbon smuggling and gambling. The clan, which remains characterized by a pyramid-type organisation, is structured around a series of autonomous groups or even individual representatives who operate in synergy with each other, not without episodes of conflict, in the management of criminal activities in their respective territories (areas of the capital , San Pasquale, Carrassi and Poggiofranco districts or hinterland centres).
The DIOMEDE – MERCANTE clan, federated to the powerful CAPRIATI clan, is made up of two families: the DIOMEDES whose areas of influence, especially with regards to drug dealing, are the Poggiofranco, Picone, Carrassie San Pasquale districts, although there is no lack in these areas provide opportunities for friction with other clans; the MERCANTE, a family very close to the CAPRIATI, active above all in the Libertà neighborhood, with ramifications on the San Paolo neighborhood, where they compete for criminal dominance with other rival clans.
