Arrest: Former leader of Clan Zagaria (Casalesi) in Los Cristianos, Tenerife
Charges: Organised crime, money laundering — faces up to 18 years in prison
Operation: 23 arrests total (1 Spain + 22 Italy), 19 placed in pre-trial detention
Forces: Policía Nacional (GOES elite unit + helicopters), 150+ Carabinieri (ROS) in Italy
Seized: 4 pistols, 1 submachine gun (in Italy)
On March 30, Spain's Policía Nacional arrested a man at a residential property in Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife. He was wanted by Italian authorities for organised crime and money laundering. The suspect had been the leader of the Clan Zagaria until 2016 — one of the most dangerous factions within the Casalesi, among the most powerful structures of the Neapolitan Camorra.
The operation was carried out simultaneously in Spain and Italy on the same day. In Tenerife, authorities deployed the GOES elite unit (Grupo Operativo Especial de Seguridad) along with aerial support. Italian Carabinieri from the ROS (Carabinieri) (Raggruppamento Operativo Speciale) had travelled to Spain to assist in the arrest.
The most important arrest of the entire operation
In Italy, 22 further individuals were arrested as part of the same operation, 19 of whom were placed in pre-trial detention. Investigators seized four pistols and a submachine gun. According to Italian authorities, the arrest in Tenerife is considered the most significant of the entire operation — due to the suspect's position and power within the organisation.
The arrest was based on a European Arrest Warrant (OEDE) issued by Italian authorities on March 10. Spanish investigators needed around 20 days to locate the suspect at his residence in Los Cristianos.
Links to the 'Ndrangheta and drug trafficking
The investigation is part of a macro-operation against Clan Zagaria, which operates within the Casalesi structure. The group had formed alliances with the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta to control drug trafficking into the Caserta region. The operation has been described as a historic blow against mafia activity in Italy with international ramifications.
It is not the first time high-ranking Camorra members have gone into hiding in the Canary Islands. In November 2025, two further Camorra fugitives were arrested in Tenerife within 72 hours — one of them in a holiday apartment from which he was allegedly still directing the organisation. The booming property market in Gran Canaria makes such rentals readily available.
Why the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands have been a preferred destination for organised crime members seeking to evade European justice for years. The mild climate, tourist infrastructure with numerous holiday apartments and relative anonymity make the islands attractive. The strong connections via ferries between the Canary Islands also make it easier to move undetected. Spanish police have significantly stepped up cooperation with Italian authorities in recent months.