Nicknamed the «capo dei capi» or «boss of bosses», Patrizio Forniti, the leader of the notorious Italian mafia clan from Aprilia, has been arrested in Morocco. This significant arrest, announced on Tuesday, concludes a manhunt that began in July 2024. Forniti was captured alongside his wife, Monica Montanaro. Both are considered «dangerous fugitives» and were previously convicted of mafia-style extortion. The Rome tribunal had issued an international arrest warrant for the pair, who are believed to have sought refuge in Casablanca to evade justice. Italian media report that extradition proceedings are already in motion to bring back the man who eluded capture during last year's Siege operation raid. This arrest could mark a pivotal moment in the dismantling of the clan in Lazio's central region, following the anti-mafia operation Assedio. Forniti's criminal enterprise, with strong ties to the Calabrian mafia 'Ndrangheta, was deeply entrenched in its local province, merging economic activities with drug trafficking. The clan's influence even extended into municipal governance, resulting in the dissolution of the Aprilia Commune due to mafia affiliations and leading to the house arrest of the then-mayor Lanfranco Principi. As reported by Corriere Della Sera, Patrizio Forniti's criminal record includes property crimes and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition. Investigators suspect he maintained close connections with both Calabrian and Neapolitan Camorra clans for drug trafficking, even while under house arrest. His wife is also believed to be a member of the clan.
