Maria Licciardi, often referred to as “La Piccolina” (The Little One) due to her petite stature, is a notorious figure in the history of the Italian Camorra. Born on March 24, 1951, in Secondigliano, Naples, she rose to power in a predominantly male-dominated criminal world. As the leader of the Licciardi clan, she played a significant role in shaping the activities of the Camorra, especially in Naples and its surrounding regions.
Early Life and Entry into Crime Maria grew up in a family with strong ties to the Camorra. Her brother, Gennaro Licciardi, was a prominent Camorra boss and a co-founder of the Secondigliano Alliance, a coalition of Camorra clans. After Gennaro’s death in prison in 1994, Maria stepped into the leadership role, marking a turning point in the clan’s history.
Rise to Power Maria’s leadership style differed from her predecessors. She was strategic and diplomatic, emphasizing alliances and cohesion among clans. Under her rule, the Licciardi clan expanded its influence, engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, and counterfeit goods. She also played a key role in the Camorra’s management of prostitution rings, infamously approving the trafficking of underage girls from Eastern Europe.
Challenges and Conflicts Her reign was not without challenges. Maria faced intense rivalries within the Camorra, particularly with the Di Lauro clan. This led to violent conflicts, including the infamous Scampia feud in the early 2000s. Despite these challenges, her cunning and leadership allowed her to maintain significant power until her arrest.
Arrest and Legacy Maria was first arrested in 2001 after being one of Italy’s most wanted fugitives. She was later released but re-arrested in 2021 on charges including extortion and money laundering. Despite her arrests, Maria remains a symbol of the pervasive influence of organized crime in Italy.
