Infamous Sicilian Mafia Boss Matteo Messina Denaro Dies in Hospital: End of a Violent Chapter
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Notorious Sicilian Mafia Boss Matteo Messina Denaro Dies in Hospital
Matteo Messina Denaro, a notorious Sicilian mafia boss, has passed away in a hospital in central Italy, according to local authorities. The 61-year-old had been receiving treatment for colon cancer while being held in a high-security prison in L’Aquila. However, his condition worsened last month, leading to his transfer to the hospital.
The mayor of L’Aquila, Pierluigi Biondi, confirmed the gangster’s death, stating that it marked the end of a violent and bloody chapter. Biondi expressed gratitude towards the prison and hospital staff for their professionalism and humanity in handling the situation.
Messina Denaro was known as one of the most ruthless bosses of Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian crime syndicate depicted in the Godfather movies. He was found guilty of various crimes, including involvement in the murder of anti-mafia judge Giovanni Falcone in 1992 and the deadly bombings in Rome, Florence, and Milan in 1993. Additionally, he received a life sentence for the kidnapping and murder of a 12-year-old witness’s son in the Falcone case.
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After disappearing in 1993, Messina Denaro spent the next three decades on the run as the Italian authorities cracked down on the Sicilian mob. Despite being Italy’s most wanted criminal, he became a legendary figure. It was his decision to seek cancer treatment that ultimately led to his arrest in January 2023.
Wiretapping
There were speculations that Messina Denaro had fled abroad following his escape. However, it was later discovered that he had been hiding near his hometown of Castelvetrano in western Sicily. Plans are underway for his burial in the family cemetery alongside his father, Don Ciccio, who was also a prominent figure in the local clan.
Investigators had been conducting extensive searches and wiretapping on Messina Denaro’s family and friends in the Sicilian countryside. Through intercepted conversations, they confirmed his medical problems, including cancer and eye issues. Their efforts eventually led to his arrest.
Although Messina Denaro’s arrest may have brought some relief to his victims, he always maintained his silence. During interviews following his arrest, he even denied his affiliation with Cosa Nostra.