"The king of mozzarella" was arrested in Naples

Giuseppe Mandara, who called himself "Mozzarella Armani", was arrested in Naples. It is assumed that Mandara for many years cooperated with the Camorra, one of the most famous Italian mafia associations.

In addition to the links with the mafia Mandara’s companies are suspected in violating technical regulations during the mozzarella manufacturing. In particular, buffalo milk was mixed with cow. It should be noted that not so long ago Italy has launched a campaign to protect the "mozzarella" brand, which emphases that the famous cheese is produced only from buffalo milk.

Anyway, poor-quality mozzarella is not the only Mr. Mandara’s wrongdoing. Apparently, his relationships with the Camorra crime group have a long history. According to the police, as reported by BBC, relations between "The king of mozzarella" and mafia originate in the 1980s, when, as it is assumed, the Camorra saved Mandara’s enterprises from bankruptcy. The police has already announced about the confiscation of assets belonging to Mandara, which cost is estimated at 100 million Euros.

Among the factors that led to the company’s arrest are also numerous violations of environmental laws. Not so long ago the Italian "green" activists published the report, according to which the mafia is one of the worst environmental destroyers in Italy. As it turned out Mandara’s business has also contributed to this.

Mozzarella cheese, which is one of the main ingredients of the Italian cuisine, today serves as a key element in the Italian food export. Only Mandara Group companies each day supplied foreign markets with 20 tons of this product.

It should be noted that it is not the first time when Campania region in general and Naples in particular is at the center of scandals connected with the Mafia and delicacy manufacturers. However, it is the first time when the police was able to catch such a "big fish".

Association of the Italian mozzarella producers had already announced it will closely monitor the investigation and will provide for all necessary assistance.