Italian police officer shot at by Naples gang involved in piracy

Brussels, 19 November

A Fiscal Police officer, coordinator of a unit involved in the recent Anti-piracy operation 'Jolly Roger' was shot at on Sunday morning, November 14 by two people near the Gianturco police station in Naples.

The brigadier, who has ten years' experience in copyright investigations, was driving his car when he became the target of concentrated gun fire from two people in a jeep. Fortunately the investigator's prompt response, returning fire with his own gun, avoided any injury. Following the shoot out, forensic police specialists confirmed they believe the attack was designed to kill the member of the police unit.

This is a dramatic escalation in the fight against the mafia gangs who moved from tobacco smuggling to music and video piracy.

Operation Jolly Roger recently uncovered a wide organisation involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit music CDs and movie DVDs. Seven people have been arrested and more than 3 million pirate CDs and DVDs have been seized.

According to the public prosecutor who is investigating the case, the assault is connected to the recent operation targeting a gang linked to a well-known Camorra gang in Naples.