The arrest of Emanuele Gregorini, a significant figure in the transatlantic cocaine trade, represents a major victory in the battle against organized crime in Latin America.
Italian Fugitive Arrested in Colombia: Crackdown on Mafia Drug Trade
Italian Fugitive Arrested in Colombia: Crackdown on Mafia Drug Trade
An Italian mafia suspect, Emanuele Gregorini, noted for coordinating cocaine shipments, was apprehended in Colombia during a joint international operation.
In a significant breakthrough, Colombian authorities announced the arrest of Emanuele Gregorini, an Italian fugitive connected to major drug trafficking operations. Gregorini, infamously known as "Dollarino," is accused of orchestrating the transportation of vast cocaine shipments from South America to European markets. His arrest took place in the coastal city of Cartagena during a collaborative effort involving law enforcement from Colombia, Italy, and Britain.
Colombia's police chief emphasized the importance of this arrest in dismantling organized crime syndicates operating across borders, labeling Gregorini as "the head of the Italian mafia Latin America." His evasion from capture since 2023 underscores his stealthy approach to avoid detection, as he reportedly lived inconspicuously in an upscale Cartagena neighborhood, frequently visiting local gyms and restaurants without raising suspicion.
Prosecutors attribute to him a central role in the "Lombardy mafia system,” identified as a coalition among prominent Italian mafia groups, including the Camorra, Cosa Nostra, and 'Ndrangheta. His capture signals rising concerns about the Italian mafia's expanding influence in Latin America, an observation confirmed by Insight Crime, a leading think tank focusing on organized crime.
The organization notes a troubling trend: European criminal groups, particularly Italian ones, are establishing direct cocaine trafficking routes in South America, reducing reliance on intermediaries. This change is indicative of a broader shift in the dynamics of drug trafficking in the region and highlights an increase in Italian mafia activities in Colombia and Brazil.
In a recent example of this trend, another notorious figure, Luigi Belvedere, was apprehended in Medellín last month, where he had notably posed for a photograph beside the grave of the infamous Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar.
