History of Matteo Messina Denaro in Timeline
Matteo Messina Denaro, alias Diabolik, was a prominent Sicilian Mafia boss hailing from Castelvetrano. Following the apprehension of key Mafia figures Bernardo Provenzano in 2006 and Salvatore Lo Piccolo in 2007, Denaro ascended to a leadership position within the Sicilian Mafia. Born into a Mafia family, his notoriety surged onto the national stage in April 2001 when the Italian magazine L'Espresso featured him on their cover, proclaiming him the new head of the Mafia.
April 1962: Birth of Matteo Messina Denaro
Matteo Messina Denaro was born on 26 April 1962 in Castelvetrano, Sicily. He would later become a notorious Sicilian Mafia boss known as 'Diabolik.'
1991: Surveillance of Giovanni Falcone and Claudio Martelli
In 1991, Matteo Messina Denaro surveilled the movements of prosecutor Giovanni Falcone and Justice Minister Claudio Martelli, indicating his deep involvement in Mafia operations.
January 1993: Terrorist Campaign Involvement
On 15 January 1993, following the arrest of Salvatore Riina and the introduction of a strict prison regime, Matteo Messina Denaro played a key role in Cosa Nostra's terrorist campaign.
January 1993: Arrest of Salvatore Riina
Salvatore Riina was arrested in Palermo on January 15, 1993.
March 1993: Court Testimony and Fugitive Status
On March 18, 1993, Messina Denaro testified in court regarding a murder case. He was declared a fugitive three months later.
May 1993: Car Bomb Attack on Maurizio Costanzo
On 14 May 1993, Matteo Messina Denaro was involved in a failed car bomb attack targeting TV journalist Maurizio Costanzo, who narrowly escaped the attempt.
June 1993: Going into Hiding
Following the bombings in 1993, Matteo Messina Denaro went into hiding as of June 1993, evading arrest and maintaining his status as a fugitive.
1993: Fugitive Status
In 1993, Matteo Messina Denaro became a fugitive on the most wanted list, marking the beginning of a long period on the run from law enforcement.
1994: Hiding with Maria Mesi
Between 1994 and 1996, Matteo Messina Denaro hid with his lover Maria Mesi in a location between Aspra and Bagheria, using the false name 'Matteo Cracolici' for a vacation in Greece.
1994: Medical Treatment in Barcelona
In 1994, Matteo Messina Denaro received treatment for severe myopia at a clinic in Barcelona, Spain, while maintaining a clandestine lifestyle.
1995: Unmet Daughter
In 1995, Matteo Messina Denaro, who had a daughter from a previous relationship with Francesca Alagna, revealed in a letter that he had never met her, reflecting personal life complexities.
1996: Continued Medical Treatment
In 1996, Matteo Messina Denaro continued receiving eye treatment in Barcelona, evidencing his ongoing health concerns amid his fugitive status.
1996: Continued Hiding with Maria Mesi
In 1996, Matteo Messina Denaro was still in hiding with Maria Mesi, indicating his continued evasion of law enforcement while maintaining personal relationships.
November 1998: Arrest of Salvatore Messina Denaro
In November 1998, Salvatore Messina Denaro, Matteo's brother, was arrested while working at Banca Sicula, continuing his employment at Comit thereafter.
November 1998: Matteo Becomes Capo Mandamento
Following his father's death in November 1998, Matteo Messina Denaro became the capo mandamento of Castelvetrano and surrounding areas, a significant leadership role in the Mafia.
1998: Young Turks Movement
In 1998, Matteo Messina Denaro, part of the 'Young Turks' in Cosa Nostra, aimed to marginalize Bernardo Provenzano's influence, advocating for independent strategic decisions.
2000: Arrest and Sentencing of Maria Mesi
Maria Mesi was arrested in 2000, and in the following year, she was sentenced to three years in prison for aiding and abetting Matteo Messina Denaro, aligned with her brother Francesco.
April 2001: Political Appointment of Antonio D'Alì Jr.
In April 2001, Antonio D'Alì Jr. became an under-secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, a position responsible for fighting organized crime, reflecting political connections in the region.
April 2001: Recognition as a Mafia Boss
On 12 April 2001, Matteo Messina Denaro gained national attention when L'Espresso magazine featured him on its cover with the headline 'Ecco il nuovo capo della Mafia' ('Here is the new Mafia boss').
2001: Leadership in Trapani
In 2001, Matteo Messina Denaro took over Mafia leadership in Trapani after Vincenzo Virga's arrest, commanding a significant number of men and reorganizing the Mafia families in the area.
May 2002: Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
On 6 May 2002, Matteo Messina Denaro was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment for his involvement in the bombings of 1993, solidifying his criminal legacy.
April 2006: Provenzano's Nomination
After Bernardo Provenzano's arrest on 11 April 2006, Matteo Messina Denaro was mentioned as a successor in Provenzano's 'pizzini,' small notes used for communication among mafiosi.
April 2006: Discovery of Links to Provenzano's Arrest
In April 2006, connections between Giuseppe Grigoli and Matteo Messina Denaro were uncovered following the arrest of Bernardo Provenzano, revealing Denaro's extensive network.
April 2006: Arrest of Bernardo Provenzano
On 11 April 2006, Bernardo Provenzano, a key figure in the Sicilian Mafia, was arrested. This arrest paved the way for Matteo Messina Denaro to emerge as a new leader of the Sicilian mob.
July 2006: Discovery of Love Letters
In July 2006, investigators found love letters from Maria Mesi to Matteo Messina Denaro at Filippo Guttadauro's home, revealing ongoing clandestine communication.
November 2007: Potential Leadership Role
Following Salvatore Lo Piccolo's arrest in November 2007, Matteo Messina Denaro was seen as a potential leading Mafia boss, though still considered young for such a role by authorities.
November 2007: Arrest of Salvatore Lo Piccolo
In November 2007, Salvatore Lo Piccolo, another influential Mafia boss, was arrested. This event further solidified Matteo Messina Denaro's position as a leader in the Sicilian Mafia hierarchy.
December 2007: Arrest of Giuseppe Grigoli
In December 2007, Giuseppe Grigoli was arrested, as documents linking him to Matteo Messina Denaro were found at Provenzano's hideout, showcasing financial ties to the Mafia.
November 2008: Asset Seizure Linked to Messina Denaro
On 18 November 2008, Italian authorities seized €700 million in assets linked to Matteo Messina Denaro, owned by Giuseppe Grigoli, highlighting Denaro's extensive financial influence.
2008: Assets Seized from Messina Denaro's Associate
In 2008, authorities seized €700 million worth of assets from supermarket magnate Giuseppe Grigoli, who was suspected of being linked to Messina Denaro's financial operations.
November 2009: Arrest of Domenico Raccuglia
On 15 November 2009, Domenico Raccuglia, a rival Mafia figure, was arrested, marking a significant event in the Mafia's power dynamics.
November 2009: Assets Seized from Messina Denaro's Associate
In November 2009, as part of an ongoing investigation into Messina Denaro's financial network, authorities seized €200 million in assets from construction tycoon Francesco Pecora.
December 2009: Security Camera Footage Captures Messina Denaro
Security camera footage captured Messina Denaro in Valle del Belice.
January 2010: Assets Seized from Messina Denaro's Associate
In January 2010, authorities seized assets worth €550 million from Rosario Cascio, believed to be a financial supporter of Messina Denaro. This followed seizures from other alleged associates in 2008 and November 2009, totaling €1.4 billion, highlighting Messina Denaro's economic influence.
March 2010: Arrest of Messina Denaro's Brother and Associates
On March 15, 2010, Salvatore Messina Denaro, brother of Matteo Messina Denaro, was arrested along with 18 others for aiding Messina Denaro's communication and other illicit activities.
September 2010: Record Asset Seizure and New Strategy Against Messina Denaro
In September 2010, a record €1.5 billion in assets was seized from businessman Vito Nicastri, accused of collaborating with Messina Denaro. Authorities adopted a new strategy of targeting Messina Denaro's financial network, aiming to isolate him.
October 2010: Arrest of Gerlandino Messina Tightens Circle Around Messina Denaro
On October 23, 2010, the arrest of Gerlandino Messina, an alleged mafia boss, provided potential clues to Messina Denaro's activities and whereabouts due to discovered notes meant for him.
2010: Forbes Recognition
In 2010, Forbes ranked Matteo Messina Denaro as one of the ten most wanted and powerful criminals in the world, highlighting his significant influence within the Mafia.
May 2011: Failed Attempt to Arrest Messina Denaro
On May 19, 2011, an attempt to arrest Messina Denaro at a manor farm near Castelvetrano failed despite a tip from the secret service.
2012: Life Imprisonment Sentence for Murder
In 2012, Messina Denaro received a life imprisonment sentence for his involvement in the murder of Giuseppe Di Matteo.
December 2013: Arrest of Messina Denaro's Sister
In December 2013, Patrizia Messina Denaro, Matteo Messina Denaro's sister, was arrested alongside other mafia associates.
December 2014: Seizure of Olive Groves and Funding Revelation
In December 2014, authorities seized €20 million worth of olive groves linked to Messina Denaro, revealing his funding from the Fountain of Gold olive oil business.
2016: Death of Bernardo Provenzano
With the death of Bernardo Provenzano in 2016, Matteo Messina Denaro was considered the unchallenged boss of all bosses in the Mafia.
December 2017: Search Warrants Executed in Castelvetrano
In December 2017, over 200 police officers executed search warrants at properties linked to mafiosi in and around Castelvetrano, Messina Denaro's hometown, as part of the ongoing search for him.
2017: Death of Salvatore Riina
The death of Salvatore Riina in 2017 further solidified Matteo Messina Denaro's position as the leading Mafia boss.
April 2018: Messina Denaro's Sister Sentenced
In April 2018, Patrizia Messina Denaro was sentenced to 14 years in prison for mafia association and other charges.
November 2018: Asset Seizure from Alleged Associate Carmelo Patti
In November 2018, authorities seized €1.5 billion in assets from businessman Carmelo Patti, accused of working with Messina Denaro.
October 2020: Life Imprisonment Sentence for Bombing Instigation
In October 2020, Messina Denaro was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment for his role in the Capaci and Via D'Amelio bombings.
August 2021: Release of First Voice Recording
In August 2021, the first known voice recording of Messina Denaro, dating back to March 18, 1993, was released by TG1 after being recovered from court archives.
September 2021: Release of First Known Video Footage
In September 2021, TG2 released the first known video of Messina Denaro, taken from a security camera in December 2009, prompting a manhunt in October 2021.
September 2021: Mistaken Identity Incident in The Hague
In September 2021, a man mistaken for Messina Denaro was apprehended in The Hague, leading to criticism of Italian authorities.
October 2021: Manhunt Launched Across Sicily
In October 2021, a manhunt for Messina Denaro was launched across Sicily after the release of video footage.
January 2023: Arrest of Matteo Messina Denaro
After evading capture for 30 years, Matteo Messina Denaro was arrested on 16 January 2023 near a private clinic in Palermo, Sicily, where he was undergoing chemotherapy under a false name.
January 2023: Capture and Confirmation of Sentence
Messina Denaro was captured in January 2023, and his life imprisonment sentence was confirmed.
January 2023: Arrest of Messina Denaro
On January 16, 2023, Messina Denaro was arrested in Sicily after 30 years as a fugitive.
July 2023: Confirmation of Life Imprisonment Sentence
In July 2023, Messina Denaro's life imprisonment sentence was confirmed after his capture in January of the same year.
September 2023: Death of Matteo Messina Denaro
Matteo Messina Denaro died on 25 September 2023 in a prison hospital after falling into an irreversible coma. He was 61 years old and had been receiving treatment for colon cancer.
September 2023: Death of Messina Denaro
On September 24, 2023, Messina Denaro fell into an irreversible coma and died the next day, September 25, 2023, at age 61.