Colombian police arrest Italian fugitive accused of being mafia boss

In a significant development in the fight against organized crime, Colombian authorities have apprehended Emanuele Gregorini, an Italian fugitive who is alleged to be a prominent figure in the mafia. Known by the nickname 'Dollarino', Gregorini is accused of orchestrating the transportation of substantial cocaine shipments from Latin America to Europe. The Colombian national police chief has labeled him as 'the head of the Italian mafia in Latin America'. His arrest took place in the coastal city of Cartagena, following a coordinated effort involving law enforcement agencies from Italy, Britain, and Colombia. Gregorini had been evading capture since 2023, when he was implicated in the 'Lombardy mafia system', a criminal network described as a coalition of various mafia groups, including the Camorra, Cosa Nostra, and 'Ndrangheta. Authorities allege that Gregorini played a crucial role in facilitating cocaine shipments from key Colombian port cities such as Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta to European markets. Colombian Police Chief Carlos Triana emphasized that Gregorini's arrest represents a significant setback for transnational crime organizations. He characterized Gregorini as an 'invisible narco', someone who managed to avoid drawing attention to himself while engaging in illicit activities. Surveillance footage released by Colombian authorities depicted Gregorini leading a seemingly normal life, frequenting gyms and dining at local restaurants in an upscale neighborhood where he had rented an apartment. This behavior suggested that he was living without fear of being recognized or apprehended. Prosecutors have indicated that Gregorini's capture highlights the growing influence of the Italian mafia in Latin America. A think tank that specializes in organized crime has noted that European criminal networks are increasingly establishing their own drug trafficking routes in South America, rather than relying on intermediaries. The report indicates that Italian mafia groups have notably expanded their operations in Colombia and Brazil in recent years. In a related incident, Luigi Belvedere, one of Italy's most wanted criminals, was arrested in Medellín in October, where he was photographed beside the grave of the infamous Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar. This incident further underscores the increasing presence of Italian mafia elements in the region.