Italian police capture top ‘ndrangheta boss in Spain and dismantle cross‑border vehicle‑theft ring

Italian law‑enforcement agencies arrested Domenico Paviglianiti, a senior member of the ‘ndrangheta clan from Reggio Calabria, in Soria, Spain. He had been fugitively evading a 19‑year prison sentence for mafia association, murder and drug trafficking and will be transferred to Italy to serve his term.

Separately, the Emilia‑Romagna police strike force uncovered a transnational network that exported construction equipment – excavators, telescopic loaders and other heavy machines – to Saudi Arabia and Libya through the ports of Ravenna and Civitavecchia. The investigation, called Operation Benna, seized more than €1.8 million worth of assets, placed six suspects under house arrest, and named seventeen people under investigation.

Local police actions continued across the country. In Senigallia, Carabinieri stopped two drivers for drunk driving, banning them from driving and confiscating their licences. In Mazara del Vallo, Carabinieri conducted weekend checks in the nightlife area, detaining three men – two for alcohol‑related offences and one for possession of knives, crack and marijuana. Additional inspections in Bronte resulted in a €2 000 fine for sanitary violations at a restaurant. These coordinated operations illustrate a broad crackdown on organised crime, illegal trafficking and public‑order offences throughout Italy.