A member of a violent criminal family associated with the Italian mafia has been detained in Algeciras, Cádiz, by the Civil Guard. The individual is identified by authorities as an Italian national linked to the notorious Bari-based gang commonly referred to in European law enforcement circles as the Di Cosola clan. This group is widely regarded as part of the Camorra network, known for its long history of organized crime activities across Italy and its influence beyond national borders.
According to an official statement from the Civil Guard, the detainee was attempting to evade legal proceedings in Italy. The individual faced charges tied to extortion and corruption, crimes that were pursued by authorities in the Bari region within Puglia. Reports indicate the person had been convicted and sentenced to a term exceeding fifteen years, yet had already served only a portion of that sentence before attempting to flee justice, resulting in continued imprisonment during the extradition process.
Italian judicial authorities had issued a European Arrest Warrant (OEDE) to facilitate international extradition. The warrant named the detainee as a member of the criminal organization known as the Di Cosola clan, tying the individual to the broader Italian mafia landscape, including associations with the Camorra. The geographic scope of the extradition request covers both Bari city and the surrounding province, reflecting the transnational nature of the case and the need for cross-border cooperation amid ongoing investigations.
After receiving the extradition order, Spanish authorities escalated the case to the Central Investigation Court No. 2 at the National Supreme Court in Madrid. This court handles high-profile international matters and has primary responsibility for coordinating extradition requests. Following the court’s guidance, the detainee was placed at the disposal of the Investigation Court of Algeciras to proceed with the formal steps in the European extradition framework.
The capture underscores ongoing cooperation between Italian law enforcement and Spanish judicial authorities in the fight against organized crime. It illustrates how European systems collaborate to pursue fugitives who attempt to dodge accountability across borders. The case demonstrates the effectiveness of established extradition channels and the commitment of member states to facilitate swift and lawful transfers of suspects involved in serious criminal activity.