Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Matteo Messina Denaro

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 25, 2025

Public opinion and media debates around Matteo Messina Denaro—discover key moments of controversy.

Matteo Messina Denaro, nicknamed Diabolik, was a prominent Sicilian Mafia boss hailing from Castelvetrano. Following the arrests of key figures like Bernardo Provenzano and Salvatore Lo Piccolo, he rose to prominence as one of the new leaders within the Sicilian mob. The son of a Mafia boss, Denaro gained national notoriety when L'Espresso magazine featured him on its cover in 2001, declaring him the new head of the Mafia. His career was characterized by alleged involvement in numerous crimes and a long period spent as a fugitive.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1991: Observed Giovanni Falcone and Claudio Martelli

In 1991, Messina Denaro observed the movements of Giovanni Falcone and the Minister of Justice, Claudio Martelli.

January 1993: Arrest of Salvatore Riina

In January 1993, after the arrest of Salvatore Riina, Cosa Nostra embarked on a terrorist campaign in which Messina Denaro played a prominent role.

May 1993: Tailing Maurizio Costanzo

In May 1993, Messina Denaro tailed the TV journalist Maurizio Costanzo, who had just escaped a car bomb attack.

1998: Young Turks Wanted to Set Aside Provenzano

According to Giusy Vitale, in 1998, Messina Denaro was one of the young Turks within Cosa Nostra who wanted to set aside Bernardo Provenzano and take strategic decisions without his consent.

2000: Arrest of Maria Mesi

In 2000, Maria Mesi was arrested, and because police found love letters that she had exchanged with Messina Denaro, the following year she was sentenced to three years in prison for aiding and abetting.

May 2002: Life Imprisonment Sentence

On May 6, 2002, Messina Denaro was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment for his role in the bombings of 1993.

December 2007: Arrest of Giuseppe Grigoli

Giuseppe Grigoli was arrested in December 2007 after authorities found documents linking him to Messina Denaro in the hideout where Provenzano was arrested in April 2006.

November 2008: Seizure of Giuseppe Grigoli's Assets

On 18 November 2008, Italian authorities seized €700 million in assets from the supermarket king of Sicily, Giuseppe Grigoli, traceable to Messina Denaro.

2008: Seizure of Giuseppe Grigoli's Assets

In 2008, €700 million in assets were seized from supermarket magnate Giuseppe Grigoli, reinforcing the awareness of Messina Denaro's significant economic influence.

November 2009: Seizure of Francesco Pecora's Assets

In November 2009, authorities seized €200 million from construction tycoon Francesco Pecora, further highlighting Messina Denaro's deep-rooted economic power.

January 2010: Seizure of Rosario Cascio's Assets

In January 2010, police seized construction companies, villas, shops, and vehicles worth some €550 million from Rosario Cascio, believed to be a key financial figure for Messina Denaro.

March 2010: Arrest of Salvatore Messina Denaro

On 15 March 2010, Messina Denaro's brother, Salvatore Messina Denaro, was arrested along with 18 others in operation "Golem 2".

September 2010: Seizure of Vito Nicastri's Assets

In September 2010, police seized a record amount of assets, worth €1.5 billion, from Vito Nicastri, accused of working with Messina Denaro.

2012: Life Imprisonment for Giuseppe Di Matteo Murder

In 2012, Messina Denaro, though still at large, was one of five people sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in the murder of Giuseppe Di Matteo.

December 2013: Arrest of Patrizia Messina Denaro

On 13 December 2013, Messina Denaro's sister, Patrizia Messina Denaro, was arrested along with several other mafia associates in a serious blow to Messina Denaro by Italian police.

December 2014: Seizure of Olive Groves

In December 2014, Italian police came close to apprehending Messina Denaro after they made an estimated €20 million seizure of his assets in the form of valuable olive groves in Trapani.

April 2018: Sentencing of Patrizia Messina Denaro

On 17 April 2018, Patrizia Messina Denaro, sister of Matteo, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for mafia association, external competition, and attempted extortion.

November 2018: Seizure of Carmelo Patti's Assets

In November 2018, Italian businessman Carmelo Patti, accused of working with Messina Denaro, had €1.5 billion of his assets seized by Italian police on the basis that they related to the proceeds of crime.

October 2020: Life Imprisonment for Bombings

On 20 October 2020, Messina Denaro was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by the Corte d'Assise for having been one of the instigators of the Capaci bombing and Via D'Amelio bombing.