The sister of Matteo Messina Denaro, once Italy’s most feared mafia fugitive, has been released from prison and returned to her hometown of Castelvetrano, Sicily — raising concerns that she may inherit his criminal legacy. Patrizia Messina Denaro, once described by prosecutors as her brother’s “ambassador,” was sentenced to over 14 years for mafia association and extortion but was freed early for good behaviour.
Matteo Messina Denaro, a ruthless Cosa Nostra boss, was linked to at least 50 murders, including the 1992 assassinations of anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. He also ordered the kidnapping and murder of a child whose body was dissolved in acid. After evading capture for 30 years, he was arrested in January 2023 and died eight months later in custody.
Patrizia played a key role in relaying messages and managing operations during her brother’s years in hiding. Authorities have placed her under police supervision, including a curfew, but some fear she could quietly rebuild the clan’s power. With other family members imprisoned, including her sister Rosalia and nephew Francesco Guttadauro, observers see Patrizia as the likely successor.
Local officials downplayed the risk, but anti-mafia activists remain cautious, warning that the clan’s influence could resurface.
via The Times (UK)
