In 2010, Forbes magazine labeled Denaro as among the top 10 most wanted and powerful criminals in the world. More than 100 officers from Italy’s special forces division were present for Denaro’s arrest, though he reportedly came willingly. Denaro’s arrest has also been welcomed by the Italian Church, which historically has sometimes been faulted for being quiescent and even accepting of the mob, but which in recent decades has become increasingly identified with a strong anti-mafia stance. “It makes us think because someone like Matteo Messina Denaro who is hidden for years means that he is well protected. Italian Father Luigi Ciotti, president of the anti-mafia Libera organization and one of the most prominent anti-mafia figures in the country, said Denaro’s arrest was “beautiful and comforting news” for both the authorities who have been chasing him, and the families of mafia victims.

Source: Forbes January 18, 2023 08:44 UTC