ROME – A new judicial earthquake shakes the Capital. In the early hours of today, April 15, 2026, the Carabinieri of the Investigative Unit of the Provincial Command of Rome executed a precautionary custody order against 13 people. The charges, in various capacities, are serious: drug trafficking, illegal possession of weapons, receiving stolen goods, attempted murder, and aggravated assault.
The return of the "Chef": Raffaele Pernasetti arrested
The prominent name in the operation is Raffaele Pernasetti, a historical figure of the Banda della Magliana. Pernasetti, known in criminal circles also for his work as a chef in the family restaurant in Testaccio, is back in prison.
According to the Anti-Mafia District Directorate (DDA), Pernasetti allegedly exploited his historical ties with the Senese clan (dating back to the '80s) and with some 'ndrangheta groups to manage drug supply. Once released, the man would have obtained the "green light" from the dominant clans to operate in strategic areas such as:
- Testaccio and Trastevere
- Magliana and Trullo
- Corviale, Monteverde Nuovo, and Garbatella
Cameras in the restaurant and punitive expeditions
The investigations relied on environmental wiretaps and hidden cameras right inside the Testaccio restaurant, considered by investigators as the headquarters where meetings between Roman and Calabrian underworld figures took place.
In addition to drug trafficking, Pernasetti is accused of a brutal episode of violence. A mechanic, "guilty" of a debt of 8,000 euros related to drug deals, was first threatened with a gun pointed at his head and then shot in the legs. On March 25, 2024, a commando of three people allegedly carried out the punitive order in via Pian delle Torri, wounding the man with three gunshots.
At the top of the organization dismantled today is another well-known face of Roman crime, already involved in the investigations into the murder of Cristiano Molè, which occurred in Corviale in January 2024. The investigation also led to the seizure of large quantities of drugs and several firearms.
The reactions of the institutions
The Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed strong appreciation for the operation:
"My congratulations to the DDA investigators, the Carabinieri, and all the investigators for the impressive work done. It is a significant operation that strikes at the heart of drug trafficking networks and strongly reaffirms the principle of legality in our city."
Today's intervention represents yet another blow to criminal groups attempting to maintain control of the Roman territory through violence and control of drug dealing areas.
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