Fugitive Italian gang boss arrested in Slovenia | Eurojust

A swift and coordinated action by the Italian and Slovenian authorities, with the support of Eurojust, has led to the arrest of a dangerous criminal hiding in Koper, Slovenia. The leader of an Italian organised crime group (OCG) was on the run from a 21-year prison sentence. He had been convicted of several crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion and kidnapping.

The Italian OCG leader of Calabrian origin fled on the eve of his sentencing in February this year. A national and European arrest warrant was issued against the 40-year-old fugitive. A complex investigation lasting several months was launched. The fugitive was finally tracked down in Slovenia through wiretapping and surveillance measures.

At this point, Eurojust intervened in the operation by executing a European Investigation Order (EIO). The EIO enabled surveillance activities in Slovenia, including telephone interception and physical tracking. In just 10 days, the EIO was executed and the Slovenian and Italian authorities were able to establish the fugitive's exact whereabouts in Koper, leading to his arrest on 20 August.

In February, the OCG boss was sentenced to 21 years in prison. The Italian was the leader of a criminal organization that smuggled cocaine throughout Italy. He was also convicted of other crimes such as robbery, fraud, embezzlement, extortion, kidnapping and illegal possession of weapons. In a separate trial, he was found guilty of mafia-related offenses.

The following authorities were involved in the measures:

• Italy: Attorney General's Office at the Court of Appeal of Perugia; Carabinieri – ROS (Special Operations Unit); Anti-Crime Division of Ancona and Investigation Unit of Fermo; SIRENE Office at the Italian Ministry of the Interior.
• Slovenia: Public Prosecutor’s Office Koper; Police Directorate Koper.