Who Is Matteo Messina Denaro
Matteo Messina Denaro, also known by the nicknames “Diabolik” and “U Siccu” (meaning “The Skinny”), was born on 26 April 1962 in Castelvetrano, Sicily. He was a prominent figure in the Sicilian Mafia and was often considered one of its new leaders, especially after the arrests of other significant mafiosi like Bernardo Provenzano in 2006 and Salvatore Lo Piccolo in 2007.
Matteo’s family had deep ties to the Mafia. His father, Francesco Messina Denaro, known as “Don Ciccio,” held the position of capo mandamento of Castelvetrano. The capo mandamento is a high-ranking position within the Mafia hierarchy, overseeing multiple Mafia families within a specific territory. Matteo’s early exposure to the criminal world can be attributed to his family’s involvement in organized crime.
From a young age, Matteo was introduced to the ways of the Mafia. He learned to use a gun at the tender age of 14. His ruthlessness was evident early on, as he once boasted, “I filled a cemetery all by myself.” He made a name for himself by committing heinous acts, such as murdering rival boss Vincenzo Milazzo from Alcamo and strangling Milazzo’s three-month pregnant girlfriend.
The Denaro family had significant economic interests. Matteo’s father started as a campiere (an armed guard) for the D’Alì family, who were affluent landowners and among the founders of the Banca Sicula. Eventually, Francesco became the fattore (overseer) of the D’Alì’s estates. A significant estate in the area of Zangara (Castelvetrano) was handed over to Matteo. However, the real owner turned out to be an ally of the Denaro family. The D’Alì family had influential connections, with Antonio D’Alì Sr. being linked to the secret freemason lodge Propaganda Due (P2) and his son, Antonio D’Alì Jr., becoming a senator for Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party.
Matteo Messina Denaro was not the typical mafioso who lived in the shadows. He embraced a flamboyant lifestyle, often seen driving luxury cars like Porsches and wearing designer brands such as Giorgio Armani and Versace. He was also known for his love for computer games. Contrary to the conservative culture of the Mafia, Denaro was rumored to have fathered an extramarital child. He was different from traditional Mafia bosses who claimed to uphold conservative family values.
Denaro’s reputation grew over the years, and he was featured on the cover of the magazine L’Espresso in 2001 with the headline “Ecco il nuovo capo della Mafia” (Here is the new Mafia boss). He became a fugitive in 1993 and was listed among the most wanted criminals. With the deaths of other prominent mafiosi, Denaro was seen as the unchallenged boss of the Mafia. However, after 30 years on the run, he was arrested in January 2023 in Palermo. He later died in September 2023 while receiving treatment for colon cancer.
In summary, Matteo Messina Denaro’s early life and background were deeply rooted in the Mafia culture, thanks to his family’s involvement in organized crime. His rise to power, combined with his flamboyant lifestyle and ruthless actions, made him one of the most notorious and influential figures in the Sicilian Mafia.
His Crimes In The Mafia
Matteo Messina Denaro, a key figure in the Sicilian Mafia, was involved in a series of grave crimes, which led to his notoriety and eventual conviction.
Denaro was a mastermind behind some of the Sicilian Mafia’s most brutal killings. His involvement in these crimes made him a prime target for Italian law enforcement.
One of his most infamous crimes was planning, along with other Cosa Nostra bosses, the 1992 bombings that killed Italy’s leading anti-Mafia prosecutors, Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. These attacks were significant events in Italy’s battle against organized crime.
Denaro was convicted for the abduction and subsequent murder of the young son of a Mafia turncoat. The 12-year-old boy was held captive for two years before he was strangled. In a particularly gruesome act, the boy’s body was dissolved in acid.
Denaro was among several Cosa Nostra top bosses convicted of ordering a series of bombings in 1993. These bombings targeted two churches in Rome, the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, and an art gallery in Milan. The attacks in these tourist cities resulted in the death of 10 people in the Florence and Milan bombings. According to Mafia turncoats, these attacks were orchestrated to pressure the Italian government into relaxing strict prison conditions for convicted mobsters.
While he was a fugitive, Denaro was tried in absentia and convicted of dozens of murders. His status as a fugitive made it challenging for authorities to bring him to justice, but his crimes were so severe that he was convicted even in his absence.
Denaro’s need for colon cancer treatment eventually led to his capture on January 16, 2023. Investigators had discovered evidence that he was receiving chemotherapy as an out-patient at a Palermo clinic under an alias. By digging into Italy’s national health system database, they tracked him down and arrested him during a treatment appointment. After his arrest, he began serving multiple life sentences in a top-security prison in L’Aquila. However, due to his deteriorating health condition, he was later transferred to a hospital where he passed away.
Denaro was considered “Mafia nobility” and was the last of three top mafia bosses. The other two were Salvatore “Toto'” Riina and Bernardo Provenzano, both of whom also spent decades evading capture while living clandestine lives in Sicily.
In conclusion, Matteo Messina Denaro’s criminal activities and convictions paint a picture of a ruthless and influential figure in the Sicilian Mafia. His involvement in high-profile murders, bombings, and other heinous acts made him one of Italy’s most wanted criminals until his capture and subsequent death.
The Importance of Medical Treatment in His Capture
In a twist of fate, it was Denaro’s health that became his Achilles’ heel. He had been diagnosed with colon cancer, a severe medical condition that requires regular treatment and monitoring. For someone who had been on the run for so long, seeking medical attention posed a significant risk. However, the severity of his condition left him with little choice.
Investigators, always on the lookout for any lead that could point them to Denaro’s whereabouts, stumbled upon evidence suggesting that he was undergoing chemotherapy treatments. These treatments were being administered at an outpatient clinic in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. To avoid detection, Denaro used an alias, a common tactic among fugitives to evade law enforcement.
The Role of Italy’s National Health System
Italy’s national health system maintains a comprehensive database of its patients, including details of treatments and medical histories. This centralized system became instrumental in tracking down Denaro. Investigators, suspecting that Denaro might seek medical treatment given his condition, began digging into the health system’s database. Their hunch paid off when they identified records of a patient whose details matched those of Denaro, albeit under a different name.
The Moment of Capture
With this crucial piece of information in hand, law enforcement officials devised a plan to apprehend Denaro. They monitored the clinic and identified the dates of his upcoming chemotherapy sessions. On January 16, 2023, as Denaro arrived at the clinic for his treatment, he was met not by medical professionals, but by law enforcement officers who took him into custody. The capture was a culmination of years of relentless pursuit, intelligence gathering, and a bit of luck.
Complicity of the Local Population
Denaro’s ability to remain hidden for so long was not solely due to his cunning or the Mafia’s resources. He found refuge in western Sicily, particularly in areas where the Mafia’s influence was deeply entrenched. The local population, either out of loyalty, fear, or a combination of both, played a role in shielding him from the authorities. Such complicity is not uncommon in regions where organized crime groups wield significant power, often providing protection and economic support to local communities in exchange for their silence and cooperation.
Conclusion
The capture of Matteo Messina Denaro marked a significant victory for Italian law enforcement and a blow to the Sicilian Mafia. It underscored the challenges of pursuing high-profile fugitives, especially those with vast resources and community support. However, it also highlighted the tenacity and resourcefulness of investigators who, even after decades, remained committed to bringing Denaro to justice. His arrest served as a testament to the fact that, no matter how long it takes, the arm of the law can reach even the most elusive criminals.
How did Matteo Messina Denaro Die
After his arrest in January 2023, Denaro was initially incarcerated in a top-security prison. Given the severity of his medical condition and the need for specialized care, he was later transferred to a hospital.
Denaro died at the San Salvatore hospital in L’Aquila, central Italy. This facility is where he had been receiving specialized treatment for his colon cancer. The exact cause of death, while not explicitly stated, is strongly implied to be complications related to his cancer and its treatment.
Before his arrest, there had been whispers in Sicily about Denaro’s deteriorating health. Rumors suggested that there might have been a potential “deal” in the works that would allow him to come out of hiding in exchange for better cancer care. These speculations highlight the severity of his condition and the desperation for adequate medical treatment.
Upon his capture and subsequent incarceration, the stress and conditions of imprisonment, combined with his already frail health, could have exacerbated his condition, leading to a rapid decline in his health.
Denaro’s death marked the end of an era in the Sicilian Mafia’s history. He was the last of the old generation of Mafia bosses, representing a bridge between the overtly aggressive Cosa Nostra of the early 1990s and the more silent, business-oriented Mafia of the 21st century.
In summary, while Matteo Messina Denaro’s life was marked by crime, evasion, and notoriety, his death was a more subdued affair, shaped by the vulnerabilities of human health. His battle with colon cancer, which played a role in ending his long stint as a fugitive, ultimately led to his demise.
Need Help? Call Us Now!
Do not forget that when you or anyone you know is facing a criminal charge, you have us, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, by your side to help you build the best defense case for you. We will work and be in your best interest for you and we will obtain the best possible outcome that can benefit you. We can explain everything you need to know about your trial and how to defend your case best. We can help you step by step through the criminal process.
Therefore, do not hesitate to call us if you find yourself or someone you know that is facing criminal charges unsure about the court system. We will work with you to give you the best type of defense that can help you solve your case. It is vital to have someone explain the result of the charge to you and guide you in the best possible way.
Here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we have professional and knowledgeable criminal law attorneys who are experienced in building a defense case for you that suits your needs for the best possible outcome that can benefit you.
Also, here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, you are given a free consultation at your convenience. You may choose to have your appointment via Zoom, google meet, email, or an in-person appointment; and we will provide you with as much advice and information as possible so you can have the best possible result in your case.
Call us now at (281) 810-9760.
Other Related Articles
Evading Arrest in the State of Texas
Punishment Range for Crimes in Texas?
Hunter Biden and child support- straight to jail?
Matteo Messina Denaro FAQs
Select a question from the dropdown below to reveal the answer:
Hey there! My name is Olivia Ramirez, I graduated from Sam Houston State University with a bachelor’s of science in Psychology. I can’t help but scour the web for crime news and interesting stories. I write mostly true crime, anything from white collar crimes to the tragic murders across America. I try to mix in local news updates with big hitting scandals.
When I’m not typing away or searching for crime news, you’ll find me in bookstores looking for the new books to add to my backlog. Hanging out with my family or just relaxing with some cozy games to unwind from the day.
