Calabrian Mafia Boss Arrested in Spain

Spanish police have arrested Domenico Paviglianiti, a prominent leader of the Calabrian mafia, in Soria. This marks his second detention in Spain, following a previous arrest in Madrid in 2021. Paviglianiti is considered a key figure in the 'Ndrangheta, the mafia originating from Italy's Calabria region.

His criminal history in Spain dates back to 1996, when he was apprehended during a large operation that also detained 16 other members of his organization. He was later extradited to Italy to serve a 30-year sentence. However, he was released after a Spanish Constitutional Court ruling annulled his extradition. Italian authorities had previously investigated alleged attempts by his clan to bribe Spanish judicial officials.

Police describe Paviglianiti as "one of the highest exponents of organized crime in Calabria," primarily involved in drug and arms trafficking. He is considered one of the Italian justice system's top three most wanted individuals. Agents involved in the operation highlighted his alleged role as the instigator of approximately 130 murders, underscoring the significance of his capture.