Aste Ok Trial: Defense Challenges Mafia Allegations in Naples Court
The “Aste Ok” trial has reached a critical juncture as defense attorneys present their final arguments before the preliminary hearing judge at the Court of Naples. At the heart of the proceedings is a dispute over whether a group of eight individuals operated as a simple criminal ring or as a structured Mafia-type association designed to corrupt judicial auctions.
- The Core Allegation: The Naples District Anti-Mafia Prosecution alleges the group systematically corrupted executive procedures at the Court of Avellino.
- Defense Strategy: Attorney Gaetano Aufiero argues the group lacks the three hallmarks of a Camorra-style organization: territorial control, victim subjugation, and omertà.
- Sentencing Requests: Prosecutors have requested sentences ranging from roughly 9 to 16 years for several defendants who opted for the rito abbreviato (fast-track trial).
- Timeline: A final ruling from the judge is expected in September 2026.
The Legal Battle Over “Mafia Characteristics”
During a defense presentation lasting over three hours, attorney Gaetano Aufiero argued that the organization does not meet the legal requirements to be classified as a Mafia-type association. According to Aufiero, the prosecution has failed to prove that the group exercised control over a specific territory or maintained a state of subjugation over its victims.
Crucially, the defense pointed to the absence of omertà—the code of silence typical of organized crime. Aufiero noted that all injured parties in the case have filed official complaints and joined the proceedings as civil parties, a behavior he claims is fundamentally incompatible with the climate of intimidation associated with the Camorra.
Questioning Witness Credibility
The defense has also targeted the reliability of Livia Forte, a co-defendant in the trial. Aufiero highlighted contradictions in Forte’s testimony, noting that she provided conflicting accounts regarding who had forcibly taken her—alternating between Beniamino Pagano and Carlo Dello Russo.
To further undermine these claims, the defense presented factual evidence that Beniamino Pagano was in detention during the period Forte alleged he had abducted her.
Sentencing Requests and the Fast-Track Process
In February 2026, prosecutor Henry John Woodcock outlined sentencing requests for defendants who chose the rito abbreviato. Under this Italian legal procedure, defendants waive a full trial in exchange for a one-third reduction in their potential sentence.
The requested penalties are as follows:
- Armando Aprile: 16 years and 8 months
- Livia Forte: 16 years
- Gianluca Formisano: 11 years, 11 months, and 5 days
- Beniamino Pagano: 11 years
- Antonio Barone: 9 years, 10 months, and 10 days
- Carlo Dello Russo and Nicola Galdieri: 8 years and 10 months (specifically for auction rigging)
Regarding Galdieri and Dello Russo, the prosecutor requested that the charge of Mafia-type association be dropped, as both individuals had already been judged for similar actions in the “Nuovo Clan Partenio” proceedings. Damiano Genovese remains the only defendant who did not opt for the fast-track trial.
Next Steps
The proceedings were postponed to June 4, 2026. The judge’s final decision, expected in September, will determine if the Anti-Mafia Prosecution’s case holds up under the fast-track process or if the defense’s arguments for acquittal and reclassification will prevail.