Emanuele Bonafede released after aiding Matteo Messina Denaro

Emanuele Bonafede, 53, has been released from prison after completing his sentence for aiding the fugitive Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro. Bonafede, a resident of Campobello di Mazara, was identified as a provider of assistance to the boss during his period of being a fugitive.

Investigations, supported by surveillance footage showing Messina Denaro frequenting Bonafede’s residence, led to his arrest in March 2023. While initially sentenced to six years and eight months in the first instance, the Palermo Court of Appeal reduced the sentence to four years and four months in December 2024. Following a final ruling by the Court of Cassation in January 2026, Bonafede returned to prison to serve the remainder of his term.

His release follows the granting of 315 days of early release for good behavior. The case is part of a broader investigation by the Palermo District Anti-Mafia Directorate into the support network that assisted Messina Denaro during his years on the run.