Italian Mafia Leader Arrested in Colombia After Transcontinental Manhunt

Emanuele Gregorini, known as "Dollarino", was arrested in Colombia after being fugitive since 2023, marking a significant hit against international drug crime networks.

Emanuele Gregorini, an Italian fugitive suspected of coordinating major cocaine shipments from Latin America to Europe, has been captured by Colombian authorities in a coordinated international effort. The arrest took place in Cartagena, as described by Colombia's national police chief, who labeled Gregorini as the "head of the Italian mafia in Latin America."

Investigators from Italy, Britain, and Colombia collaborated to track Gregorini down to his rental apartment, where he had been living a seemingly normal life since going on the run earlier in 2023. Prosecutors allege that he is a crucial player in the so-called "Lombardy mafia system," which represents a coalition of notorious mafia groups, including the Camorra, Cosa Nostra, and 'Ndrangheta.

Colombian Police Chief Carlos Triana emphasized that the capture of Gregorini is a substantial setback for transnational crime organizations. He referred to Gregorini as an "invisible narco," noting how he managed to avoid drawing attention to himself while blending into the upscale Cartagena neighborhood. Surveillance footage released by authorities showed him engaging in everyday activities, such as working out at the gym and dining at local restaurants, apparently without concern for his identity being exposed.

Gregorini's apprehension highlights a concerning trend of the Italian mafia increasing its foothold in Latin America, according to Insight Crime, a think tank that studies organized crime. The group's emergence has led to the establishment of direct drug trafficking routes emanating from South America, rather than relying on intermediaries.

This trend is evidenced by the recent arrest of Luigi Belvedere, another high-profile mobster, in Medellín, where he provocatively posed for pictures next to the grave of infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. With these developments, Colombian authorities continue their battle against organized crime, striving to dismantle the networks fueling the global cocaine trade.