Publicly the Christian Democrats had refused to negotiate with terrorists , but privately leading politicians and members of the secret services visited Cutolo in prison and asked him to negotiate with imprisoned members of the Red Brigades . A large ransom was paid to win Cirillo 's release . In return , Cutolo allegedly asked for a slackening of police operations against the Camorra , for control over the tendering of building contracts in Campania ( a lucrative venture since Campania was hit by a devastating earthquake in November 1980 ) and for a reduction of his own sentence – as well as new psychiatric test to show that he is not responsible for his actions . Both these last concessions were granted
earthquake in November 1980
1980 Irpinia earthquake
Raffaele Cutolo