Italian police arrested four people after uncovering mafia infiltration at San Giovanni Bosco Hospital in Naples linked to the Contini clan.
Investigators found the network used private ambulances to illegally transport deceased patients while bypassing mortuary procedures.
Authorities said suspects falsified medical records and issued fake medical certificates to support fraud and legal claims.
The group allegedly staged road accidents and used fabricated medical documentation to obtain insurance payouts.
The broader anti mafia investigation involves 76 individuals, including healthcare workers and public officials, and remains ongoing.
Italian police arrested four people in Naples on February 25, 2026, according to ANSA, after investigators uncovered alleged mafia infiltration of a public hospital as part of an ongoing anti mafia investigation, where authorities say criminal networks exploited healthcare services for insurance fraud, illegal corpse transport, corruption, and falsified medical documentation. According to The Guardian, the investigation exposed systematic misuse of hospital processes by individuals linked to organized crime.
The investigation focused on San Giovanni Bosco Hospital in Naples and linked the activities to the Contini clan, a faction of the Camorra, which operates in the city. According to Il Sole 24 Ore, investigators believe the clan exercised significant control within parts of the hospital, influencing services and administrative processes.
Prosecutors stated that the group infiltrated hospital operations through intimidation and collusion with insiders, according to Agenzia Nova.
According to Il Sole 24 Ore and La Milano, investigators described the hospital as being under the influence of the Contini clan, particularly regarding ancillary services and certain administrative procedures. Authorities reported that the group secured control over services such as hospital bars, cafeterias, parking, and vending machines.
ANSA reported that the broader investigation involves 76 individuals, including healthcare workers, public officials, and other associates. Prosecutors are examining the roles of medical personnel and administrative staff who allegedly cooperated with the criminal network.
Investigators found evidence that deceased patients were removed from the hospital using private ambulance services allegedly linked to the criminal group. According to The Guardian, prosecutors said individuals placed bodies on stretchers and fitted oxygen masks on them to create the appearance that the patients were still alive. This reportedly allowed transport without triggering standard mortuary protocols.
Authorities stated that families were charged between €700 and €1,200 for these services. According to UNN, the practice bypassed official procedures that require proper death certification and regulated mortuary handling.
In one case cited by The Guardian, prosecutors accused an emergency department doctor of falsifying discharge documentation for a patient who had already died. Investigators allege that this documentation enabled the removal of the body through private ambulance services connected to the scheme.
Death certification forms part of a formal medical and legal process. Physicians must confirm the cause and time of death, after which hospitals follow established mortuary protocols. These procedures help ensure accurate health records, legal compliance, and public health reporting.
Investigators also uncovered alleged insurance fraud schemes involving staged road accidents. According to Il Sole 24 Ore, suspects allegedly recruited individuals to simulate traffic accidents and arranged for false witnesses.
Prosecutors said participants then used fabricated medical reports to support insurance compensation claims. Medical reports play a central role in verifying injury claims. False documentation can lead to financial losses for insurers and legal consequences for healthcare professionals involved in certification.
Authorities stated that members of the network allegedly obtained false medical certificates from cooperating professionals. The UNN report states that these included psychiatric and clinical evaluations that enabled certain individuals linked to the clan to obtain legal benefits, including requests for house arrest or reduced detention on health grounds.
According to Agenzia Nova, investigators are examining how medical assessments were used within judicial proceedings. Medical certification carries legal authority and influences court decisions regarding detention conditions and sentencing adjustments.
The arrests were carried out by Italian law enforcement authorities as part of an ongoing anti mafia operation targeting infiltration of public institutions. According to ANSA, investigators charged suspects with mafia association, fraud, corruption, falsification of public documents, and other related offenses.
Prosecutors consider the case an example of organized crime penetrating healthcare infrastructure for financial gain and influence.
Authorities continue to examine the extent of involvement by hospital staff and associated public officials. The investigation remains ongoing.
Hospitals rely on regulated certification systems and oversight mechanisms to ensure patient safety and legal compliance. Investigations are continuing to determine the full scope of alleged misconduct at the Naples facility.
(Rh/MSM)
