Tony Colombo and Wife Detained in Investigation into Di Lauro Clan's Business Activities
Tony Colombo, a well-known neomelodic singer from Palermo, and his wife Tina Rispoli, widow of an organized crime boss, are among the 27 individuals subjected to precautionary measures ordered by the Naples judge in the context of an investigation into the entrepreneurial activities of the Di Lauro clan.
The inquiry, conducted by the ROS, Naples Carabinieri, and the DDA, revealed that entrepreneurial aspirations have reshaped the criminal organization. The Di Lauro clan invested in clothing companies and created brands, including the renowned "Corleone", in collaboration with the neomelodic singer from Palermo. The energy drink "9 mm", evoking the caliber of pistols, and the clothing brand with references to organized crime, are also attributed to the clan founded by Paolo Di Lauro, known as "Ciruzzo 'o Milionario".
Investigators contend that a sort of "Di Lauro Inc." was established, which invested in activities considered less risky through companies registered under front men, now subject to seizure. These companies managed a renowned gym, a betting parlor, and some supermarkets.
The investigation also unveiled a cigarette trafficking operation from Eastern Europe, particularly Bulgaria and Ukraine. It is estimated that about one and a half tons of cigarettes were distributed in illegal markets. Investigators claim that, with an investment of half a million euros, made possible by the leaders of the Di Lauro clan, Tony Colombo, and his wife Tina Rispoli, a cigarette factory was established (already seized) to package foreign tobacco cigarettes for sale in Italy and abroad.
The investigations focused on the period between 2017 and 2021, revealing illicit activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and threats to the relatives of a collaborator of justice, as well as to entrepreneurs participating in judicial auctions to coerce them into abstaining. With the support of the Licciardi and Vinella Grassi clans, extortion demands were withdrawn from entrepreneurs connected to the Di Lauro family.
