Italy arrests one of country’s most wanted mafia figures

Italian authorities have arrested Roberto Mazzarella, linked to the Camorra mafia group and ranked fourth on the Ministry of Interior’s list of the most dangerous fugitives.

Mazzarella was found on the Amalfi Coast in a luxury villa, where he was hiding under a false identity, Caliber.Az reports per Italian media.

Investigators said he had planned to spend Easter there with his wife and two children, who were present at the time of the arrest.

The operation was carried out by Carabinieri from the investigative unit of Naples’ provincial command, coordinated with the local anti-mafia directorate (DDA). Special units, including Cacciatori di Calabria, the Api unit, and a patrol boat from the Salerno Port Authority, were also involved.

During the search, authorities seized three luxury watches, approximately €20,000 in cash, forged documents, mobile phones, and handwritten notes that may contain financial information.

Mazzarella is suspected of involvement in the murder of Antonio Maione on December 15, 2000, in Naples. According to investigators, the killing was part of an inter-clan vendetta, targeting Maione due to family ties with a hitman who had previously killed Salvatore Mazzarella.

An arrest warrant was issued on January 28, 2025, but Mazzarella evaded capture at that time and remained on the run for over a year before being apprehended in Vietri sul Mare. Investigations are ongoing.

By Jeyhun Aghazada