Spanish police arrest Italian mafia boss Domenico Paviglianiti in Soria

The capture in Soria

Paviglianiti, 65, was detained on Friday 26 June in the city of Soria, where he had been living discreetly, protected by bodyguards. Spanish National Police tracked him through phone intercepts and surveillance of his entourage. He is considered one of the most dangerous bosses of the 'Ndrangheta, the Calabrian mafia.

The arrest was a joint effort with Italy's Guardia di Finanza from Reggio Calabria and Interpol. Authorities had pursued him under a European Arrest Warrant for drug trafficking, crimes against persons and money laundering.

Who is Domenico Paviglianiti?

The 65-year-old faces a European Arrest Warrant for drug trafficking, crimes against persons and money laundering. Police describe him as one of the top leaders of the 'Ndrangheta and one of Italy's most wanted fugitives.

His criminal career is rooted in the Calabrian mafia, an organisation considered among the most powerful and violent in Europe.

The escape of 2021

In 2021, Spanish police captured Paviglianiti in a large-scale operation in Madrid. However, he did not enter prison, with sources saying he escaped custody shortly after the arrest. Since then, he had been a fugitive, eventually settling in Soria under a false calm.

International cooperation

The operation fell under the I-CAN project (Interpol Cooperation Against 'Ndrangheta), which involves 24 countries cooperating directly against mafia networks. According to police sources, the collaboration with the Guardia di Finanza was crucial in locating the boss.