Pasquale Russo

Pasquale Russo (; born February 28, 1947) is an Italian Camorrista and boss of the Russo clan from Nola, which he co-founded. He has been running the clan together with his brother Salvatore for over thirty years. He has been on the "most wanted list" of the Italian ministry of the Interior since 1995, for Camorra association, murder, concealment of corpse, multiple homicides, racketeering and other crimes. On February 15, 1996, an international warrant was issued against him, to be arrested for extradition.

Criminal career Pasquale Russo and his brother, Salvatore, began their criminal careers in the mid-1970s under Carmine Alfieri but later switched allegiance to Mario Fabbrocino, a powerful figure in San Gennaro Vesuviano. Fabbrocino, in turn, was connected to Michele Zaza, a leading figure in the cigarette contraband industry during that period. Within the Fabbrocino clan, Pasquale was promoted to "sottocapo" on the recommendation of Salvatore Zaza, Michele Zaza’s brother, reflecting his growing influence. However, tensions soon arose. Fabbrocino distanced himself from Zaza, blaming him for failing to adequately oppose Raffaele Cutolo’s Nuova Camorra Organizzata, while his increasingly grandiose and reckless behavior created friction. Pasquale grew concerned for the safety of their associates, especially after the murder of Pasquale’s friend Giuseppe Muollo by the rival D'Alessandro clan. Viewing Fabbrocino as a danger to their lives and operations, the brothers decided to break away.

After the arrest of Carmine Alfieri in 1992, Pasquale and Salvatore Russo inherited part of his criminal empire, which became known as the Russo clan. According to police reports, the Russo brothers became two of the wealthiest criminals in Campania, with Pasquale known for his strategic intelligence and Salvatore for his ruthlessness. For years, they successfully evaded capture thanks to their wealth and an extensive network of contacts, ranging from petty criminals to professionals, and including connections to institutions and the Cosa Nostra.

Aftermath After Pasquale's arrest the Italian police also arrested the businessman Andrea Grandi, accused of hosting Russo for months in one of his houses. However, when questioned in the courtroom, the boss said that he did not know the businessman.

In May 2019, Antonio Russo, Pasquale's son, was arrested. He is accused of extortion.