Italian Mafia Suspect Apprehended in Colombia
Colombian authorities have captured an Italian fugitive wanted for allegedly orchestrating large-scale cocaine shipments from Latin America to Europe.
Emanuele Gregorini, also known as “Dollarino,” was described by Colombia’s national police chief as “the leader of the Italian mafia in Latin America.”
Multinational Operation Leads to Arrest in Cartagena
Gregorini was located in an apartment in the coastal city of Cartagena following a joint investigation involving Colombian, Italian, and British law enforcement agencies.
He had been evading capture since 2023, after being accused by prosecutors of playing a central role in the “Lombardy mafia system.” This system is described as an alliance between the Camorra, Cosa Nostra, and ‘Ndrangheta organized crime groups.
Key Figure in Cocaine Trafficking
Police allege Gregorini was instrumental in organizing cocaine shipments departing from Colombian ports including Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta, destined for Europe.
Colombian Police Chief Carlos Triana stated that Gregorini’s apprehension represents “a significant blow” to international criminal networks.
He characterized Gregorini as an “invisible narco” due to his low profile and efforts to avoid attracting attention.
“Invisible Narco” Living in Upscale Neighborhood
Surveillance video released by Colombian authorities shows Gregorini frequenting a gym and local restaurants in the upscale area where he rented an apartment. He apparently lived without fear of identification.
Italian Mafia Expansion in Latin America
Prosecutors contend that Gregorini’s arrest in Colombia indicates a growing presence of the Italian mafia within Latin America.
According to Insight Crime, an organized crime research organization, European crime groups are increasingly establishing their own drug trafficking routes in South America, bypassing intermediaries.
The think tank notes that Italian mafia organizations, in particular, have expanded their operations in Colombia and Brazil in recent years.
Prior Arrest of Italian Fugitive in Medellín
In a related case, Luigi Belvedere, a highly wanted individual in Italy, was arrested in Medellín in October. Belvedere had notably been photographed at the grave of Pablo Escobar, the deceased Colombian drug kingpin.