INSIDE the Hunt for Sicilian Mafia's "Boss of Bosses" Matteo Messina Denaro - Caught After 30 Years

I was inside the secret control room in Sicily while Italian police hunted one of the world’s most-wanted fugitives - Matteo Messina Denaro, the Mafia’s boss of bosses. Let me tell you about it.
The Mob Reporter here with the inside story of a huge and important event - the arrest of Matteo Messina Denaro, captured on Jan. 16, 2023, at a medical clinic in Palermo, Sicily’s capital. It’s a landmark achievement that brought cheering crowds into the streets of the very birthplace of the Mafia.
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I didn’t realize how secretive and rare my visit was until I came out of the secure room, in the mountainous suburbs of Palermo, and officers with the Carabinieri who were guarding it quietly asked me what it’s like, because they weren’t allowed inside. I can talk about the place now because their long-elusive target has finally been caught, after a remarkable 30 years on the run.
Inside the hospital out-patient clinic, a colonel with the Carabinieri approached him and asked him who he is. Cool as a cucumber he replied: “You already know who I am. I’m Matteo Messina Denaro” He was born in Castelvetrano, in the province Trapani, and has been hiding not far away, in Campobello di Mazara.
IN ITALIAN / IN ITALIANO:
Ero nella sala di controllo segreta in Sicilia mentre la polizia italiana dava la caccia a uno dei latitanti più ricercati al mondo: Matteo Messina Denaro, il capo dei capi della mafia. Lascia che te ne parli.
The Mob Reporter qui con la storia interna di un evento enorme e importante: l'arresto di Matteo Messina Denaro, catturato il 16 gennaio 2023, in una clinica medica a Palermo, capoluogo della Sicilia. È un risultato storico che ha portato folle esultanti nelle strade del luogo di nascita della mafia.
Non mi ero reso conto di quanto fosse riservata e rara la mia visita fino a quando non sono uscito dalla camera blindata, nella periferia montagnosa di Palermo, e gli ufficiali dei Carabinieri che la sorvegliavano silenziosamente mi hanno chiesto com'era, perché non erano autorizzati dentro. Posso parlare del posto ora perché il loro obiettivo a lungo sfuggente è stato finalmente catturato, dopo ben 30 anni di fuga.
All'interno dell'ambulatorio dell'ospedale, un colonnello dei carabinieri gli si è avvicinato e gli ha chiesto chi fosse. Fresco come un cetriolo ha risposto: “Sai già chi sono. Sono Matteo Messina Denaro” È nato a Castelvetrano, in provincia di Trapani, e si è nascosto poco lontano, a Campobello di Mazara.
CREDITS:
Music is: “Something is Going On” by Godmode // “Fugitive Kid” by Devon Church // “Street Rhapsody” by DJ Freedom
Applause video to illustrate media coverage of public reaction to Messina Denaro’s capture is by Il Fatto Quotidiano; map animation created in Google Earth Studio; aerial of hospital is from public promotional website of La Maddalena; Bar San Vito sign from restaurantguru.com/; Cemetery video by Luis Figueroa, raised hand by KELLY, police car and police gathering by Kindel Media, man jumping by Dimitri Baret, fire and chair by Pixabay, man in hospital by Tima Miroshnichenko, surgery by Andrey Kirievskiy, smoke by Kmeel Stock, doc with patient by Tima Miroshnichenko, drink by cottonbro studio, all at Pexels;
Palermo from hilltop by Gabrios1984 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index... Monreale panorama by 44penguins (Angela M. Arnold) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index... Monreale panorama wider by Tango7174 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index... Campobello lighthouse by User:Matthias Süßen - Own work, CC BY 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index....
~ The Mob Reporter is a professional journalist bringing you real-life mob, police and true crime news and educational videos.
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• Crime in Italy: / crimeinitaly
~ To read my written journalism: nationalpost.com/author/ahump...
Please like, share, comment and subscribe.
Thanks for watching!
~-~~-~~~-~~-~
Please watch: "Genius jewel heist wrecked by sloppy mistakes": • Genius Jewel Heist Wre...
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[@martin3203]

Thank you.

[@Priest92]

Happy Saturday all

[@benhepworth1000]

Happy Sunday 😊

[@TheMobReporter]

You too, P.

[@Ben-xf7uy]

Thats so cool that you actually get to do some REAL investigative journalism. Plus Palermo is beautiful!!! Haha. Awesome video

[@TheMobReporter]

Palermo - and all of Sicily - is an incredibly beautiful place with amazing food and people. I love it there. The fact that I can gather information at the same time is a bonus.

[@peaterful]

I think many of @themobreporter 's videos include 'real' investigative journalism. But I was also very impressed to hear that he was there at the coal face.

[@bc-guy852]

@@TheMobReporter And - - it's all business expenses!!

[@shawnholiday1635]

Yes, content generator.

[@assettorobato6364]

thank you sir!

[@mrj5695]

I knew you would deliver

[@niallwalters8201]

I was waiting for this video!

[@matssoderhall1780]

Thanks!

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you MS. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

[@richhoops2413]

I have been patiently waiting for Mob Reporters coverage on this. Even changing the channel when the media had "breaking news" about this story. It's just not worth spoiling when you have the Mob Reporter quality and depth to look forward to. I always "like". Another classic.

[@MelodyNelson1087]

Waited for your upload to get the inside story on this arrest.

[@TheMobReporter]

Hope it warranted the wait, MN.

[@MelodyNelson1087]

@@TheMobReporter As always... first class

[@vikingodin1986]

Superb I only mentioned this the other week...and you replied but kept quiet about being involved ....brilliant video as usual my good man

[@jasonmoosha7897]

Great stuff mob reporter u are legend.

[@fartknocker132]

Nice video. Cool piano music.

[@TheMobReporter]

It wasn’t me tickling the ivories, I assure you.

[@TOMKHOMION]

Been waiting for your coverage of this arrest........

[@TheMobReporter]

I hope it was worth the wait. Please spread the word if you did.

[@TOMKHOMION]

@@TheMobReporter Details on point as always.......Worth the wait........💯💯💯💯

[@mistere4now799]

Love your content! Always right on top of it

[@TheMobReporter]

I appreciate that, ME. Please tell your friends to join you here.

[@otmane.m1461]

Finally, I was looking forward for this episode

[@TheMobReporter]

Hope it lived up to expectation, OEM.

[@otmane.m1461]

@@TheMobReporter yes absolutely. I would appreciate longer episode's

[@kennydude7971]

Excellent work!

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, KD. Try to share the link or spread the word. I need the boost.

[@dimmacommunication]

LOL it was 8 am when I was in the E.R waiting room when all screen were showing the arrest ( Italy )

[@TheMobReporter]

In that same hospital? Or another one? Plus, I hope everything is OK!

[@dimmacommunication]

@@TheMobReporter Nope, a hospital in northern Italy . I couldn't give a damn about the arrest as anybody with a brain knows it was clearly staged. He was arrested at a clinic within a half mile radious from the Carabinieri station . Totò Riina ( the other super famous boss of bosses ) also was " on the run " , going to bar's and cafe's in Palermo in plain sight 😉.

[@markholroyde9412]

Wonderful, proper way to do narration and production, cheers, UK

[@TheMobReporter]

Ha, love to hear that, MH. Thanks.

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

I’ve been waiting impatiently for this one! Awesome and soooooo interesting

[@TheMobReporter]

Haha, sorry to keep you waiting. I had to sort out a few things before I could publish this. Thanks for watching. Please spread the word. And watch it again, ha. It needs a good boost to get it going.

[@MitchMcConnell2024]

He’ll definitely get a hollywood ending. Netflix has made documentaries about people who are no where near this guy.

[@celeste1754]

yeah netflix productions are garbage🤣

[@ayooooo7118]

@@celeste1754 they better then most shit lol

[@TheMufcmark]

@@ayooooo7118 if you like paedo producers!!!

[@celeste1754]

@@ayooooo7118 better @ brainwashing yeah right😂 but they really do got hella ressources so they produce great stuff sometimes gotta admit👍🏼

[@luceinbattaglia9425]

All bs Netflix and all rest.

[@Free-Bodge79]

Brilliant! 👊

[@oscarrodriguez2285]

I was waiting for this video since I seen the news let’s go 🎉

[@TheMobReporter]

I hope I did it justice. So to speak.

[@tonyduong6159]

Been waiting for you to release this episode ever since it came out on the news. Thank you mob reporter.

[@digzydoogan4932]

Doin a great job.. 👍🏼

[@Ij-jan]

On my birthday. A great birthday present.🎉

[@TheMobReporter]

His arrest or my video?

[@Ij-jan]

@@TheMobReporter his arrest

[@HRM.H]

Sometimes its just smart to know when it's over.

[@TheMobReporter]

☝️ This is a great observation and a solid comment.

[@phoenixzappa7366]

It's not over til the fat lady sings.

[@valeblack3393]

the next boss is already decided, as they always do, he was the worst of the worst, the second after totò riina, the devil on earth

[@homiixide]

There is alot more going on behind the scenes then what this video covers. Even the magistrate said that it wasn’t that state that found him but rather he let himself be found. He is very ill and will most likely not live much longer, so he made a deal with the state. Something will be done in favor of the mafia in exchange for his arrest. Also, he is very intelligent and organized and known to be professional, so he most definitely had everything planned out and nominated a new boss. In the Italian newspaper they stated how in Matteo’s bunkers, all boxes and folders used to contain papers and were now gone, which implies that he knew this was going to happen. Also, to the people saying “there was someone above him”, stop watching Holywood and Marvel movies. Matteo was the head. You could argue in these last few years due to struggling with cancer he allowed someone to take over, but that’s still unsure. We do know for a fact that Matteo had police and politicians under his payroll and it’s confirmed at this point that he did deals with the state in the past. He has ALOT of dirt on the Italian state.

[@SwordOfS]

@@valeblack3393 you are forgetting Provenzano. Until he "surrendered" he was the institutions protected boss. He nominated Messina Denaro boss. He was more an accountant boss, he infiltrate the mob in the financial world. Now they are in Milan,London, New York etc, together with legitimate business. The difference is, if there's a financial loss, they don't loose their money...otherwise companies bosses end up like Calvi, who "suicided himself" off a bridge in London. But that's another story.

[@montreal1983]

Keep it up!! Love your stories

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, WA.

[@joannawilson3200]

Another banger mate. Top notch info. Nice one, as always. 💯💯💯👍👍👍

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks JW

[@darthukas]

That is impressive

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you, K.

[@seanokeefe703]

Fantastic

[@miaouew]

I love this channel.

[@TheMobReporter]

E, that's amazing to hear. Thank you. Ask your friends to join you here.

[@TH3B0N3Y4RD]

Always great content, sir 👏

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, BY.

[@robertdejonge3607]

Thanks for posting.... Great content, as always! 👍👍

[@TheMobReporter]

Thx RdJ

[@kevgau]

I ve been waiting for you to give us this update i saw this on the news

[@chris2fer1977]

Dam good story and how awesome it would've been to be in that room watching all of that. Have a great weekend

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, C. It was strange, but I would have taken better advantage of it if I had realized beforehand how unusual and special it was.

[@johnbell1859]

Great video, thanks very much. 🇬🇧

[@TheMobReporter]

You’re welcome, JB. Thanks for watching.

[@lavidawithjoey]

Very appreciative of the effort and time related to your work. It is wonderful to see you were able to be involved in the investigation. A reflection of the deserved reputation that you have built for yourself. Thankful for the Mob Reporter!

[@TheMobReporter]

Nice of you to say, LWJ

[@abzabdi2489]

Hmmmm who’s de rat den

[@SwordOfS]

I have to say, to be able to tell this story, what's possible to say in less than 10 minutes; Falcone, Borsellino, la trattativa, Messina Denaro, you've done a great job. Like usual.

[@oliver6287]

“You already know who I am.” Continues to state his own name 😂😂

[@mitchsins5415]

Love your content

[@danrae1737]

Detailed and impressive reporting. Thank you.

[@TheMobReporter]

You’re welcome, DR.

[@Josh_you_uh]

Top notch stuff, love your vids. Keep it up.

[@ChrispyChris3]

Thanks as always man, great stuff!!!

[@V8PJuiceInternational]

Nice work!

[@sharmark1067]

You did not disappoint! I almost believed you when you said you needed to find more content before posting about this. Being in that room must have been exhilarating.

[@TheMobReporter]

I couldn’t go off half-cocked about my access on this one.

[@ryanmrowka8970]

Missed this on patreon so here I am watching the whole thing likings 👍 and commenting 😆

[@TheMobReporter]

Yeah sorry about that. Couldn’t be helped

[@Shambles770]

Great content, delivered like a pro as always, much appreciated Mob Man

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, E. Feedback is nice 👍

[@jamaljames2578]

Always watching from Georgetown Guyana south America 🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾 he's a legend in the mafia world

[@jackkronowitz8352]

Been waiting on this one to drop

[@jello022170]

Wow this a great story, thank you for the content😊

[@mangojango3745]

you are my favorite channel TMR

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you, MJ, thank you.

[@tradingarsenal9767]

Can't wait! Just started this!!! LOVE TMR videos!

[@paulelder5961]

There's little chance that archive isn't in the Freeport of Geneva, they need only find the art collectors, and their couriers, close to Messina Denaro and others.

[@RealBoiJare]

It’s weird for me to admit, but I feel really proud to know The Mob Reporter channel - and have been subscribed for well over a year now. This guy is the real deal. Also cool to see you’re a fellow Canadian

[@colmcgillveray1010]

It was his pronunciation of "boot" that always gives it away!

[@TheMobReporter]

🤔

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you, so kind, RBJ

[@lucarossi9453]

@@TheMobReporter ur Canadian also?? Where from?? Im from MTL

[@hakanbaklava576]

i hope one day i have subscribed to a cool channel and feel proud like you

[@laurenteec]

I was waiting patiently for this, and you didn’t disappoint! Great as usual and I’m glad to have waited

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you for your patience.

[@MATSKI888]

Would make an excellent movie, thanks for the video.

[@drilonsmajlaj4608]

Always looking forward for your videos

[@DabloEscobud]

Thanks again, really some top notch reporting!

[@richardbwanika2166]

One of the best channels on KZbin!! Thank you again Sir for the captivating content your channel brings to its fans. Yours truly being an ardent mafioso history fan, there is one thing that this channel gifts me with every new video surfaces... Let Me Tell You About It. Pure joy I tell you, pure unadulterated JOY!! Thank you again and again. Cheers and God bless.

[@TheMobReporter]

Happy to help, RB

[@GunakillyaOG]

Bro you were there?! Wicked kool man!!!

[@TheMobReporter]

Not during the arrest, before that, but yes, I was granted special access to observe a part of the operation

[@classactkirk]

I'm speechless

[@betmulligan6192]

Terrific reporting! Thank you!

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks, BM

[@ivannovotny4552]

Thank you The Mob Reporter for another recent cool episode. Very much appreciated.

[@frfrpr]

Impressive!

[@bwdavis4573]

The usual great work and clearly unique access down range. We wish you safety & continued success. ⚔️

[@billynomates920]

yes, the mob reporter!

[@watjejanssen7535]

great video,thanks !

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks for watching, WJ. Share it with your friends.

[@ricardoa1661]

i was waiting for this video after seeing it on local news :)

[@TheMobReporter]

I'm glad I didn't disappoint you.

[@les5377]

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO

[@tattoomiked4612]

Another good one. 👍

[@MrDR3AM2]

Great as always. I´ve watched all videos the last two years and you never fail to deliver TMR. Any more cartel videos coming soon? Love from sweden.

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you to viewers in my one-time home!

[@TheMobReporter]

Jag borde säga: "Tack."

[@TheLakers24788]

i knew it, iknew you were inside while this shyte was going down, thats why i anticipated this drop from you..I love it

[@CaioBorgesMelo]

Excellent, Mob Reporter! Keep it up.

[@TheMobReporter]

👍 👍

[@bennicholssd]

Wow! Top notch reporting! You have really taken your craft to the next level, congrats from Portugal.

[@TheMobReporter]

Muito obrigado.

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Excellent content

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‘’LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT IT’’ 😎 smash that like 👍 button

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you and please do. Spread the word, tell your friends. Share the video.

[@donblanding9300]

Great work !

[@moranmichael9226]

Great video again brother God bless you 😁

[@mauramcloughlin4575]

Such an amazing video

[@TheMobReporter]

Thank you, MM. please spread the word

[@livsnjutaresverige3802]

I was waiting for this one

[@malan828]

Thanks

[@KyleTokes]

Love your stuff, would lowkey be an amazing guest on Joe Rogans podcast

[@con.troller4183]

Next feather in MR's cap, first inside after SWAT clears the premises.

[@dopemanjace]

Top Reporter Awesome

[@peterestrada9420]

Fantastic Work, Mob Reporter❣️❣️ You always deliver The Goods; Love all of the details, that Only, YOU, seem to effortlessly come up with…., although we all know, your production’s take time and Great Care🤙😉 Bravo and Keep Up the Great Production’s🙏❣️ Exclusive’s, like No One Else

[@TheMobReporter]

I try, PE. Thanks

[@krktr6recordsinc.8963]

👍♥️ as always.

[@iamgodschild9410]

To be honest he was a real prominent figure in the Sicilian Mafia considered to be a candidate to become the next capo di tutti capi nicknamed Diabolik, after the comic book character. This would’ve been a real seller!

[@volk779]

He is not Toto Riina or Provenzano..not even close to their level

[@momentum8649]

commenting for the KZbin algorithm! Another great video

[@mikeyg4u]

thank you !

[@radrays3023]

No handcuffs for gentlemen.. I call that respect...

[@chrismaurina5260]

He wanted to get caught he’s dying of cancer he’s been hiding for 30 yrs you think he all of a sudden got sloppy no way,or someone turned him in because he’s outlived his usefulness

[@TheMobReporter]

This might well be. I suggest that as a definite possibly. Cancer is hard in any circumstance. On the run and clouded by subterfuge, moving and suspicion would be even worse.

[@zeusm9398]

Yep. You’re either useful or useless.

[@Whistleblower2696]

One of my fave videos that you’ve done 🤌🏽

[@TheMobReporter]

Cool, A, nice to know.

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I just subscribed to your channel , i really like the video ❤

[@TheMobReporter]

Thanks for subbing, that’s terrific, OS.

[@rcsnapon2132]

Good stuff bro 😎

[@vaxxedfilms7477]

Perfect mix of entertainment and education thanks again MR

[@TheMobReporter]

Very nice to hear, VF.

[@Agapy8888]

Εxcellent. Thank you for this great job.

[@craigpetties1476]

He never used Sky ECC and Encrochat 😆only pizzini

[@oneperson7013]

An exclusive, inside story. Bravo, TMR! Teflon sure ain't what it used to be.

[@bear1245]

I never thought they’d catch him. Very sloppy ending for him

[@francescacats1988]

He is very ill,he probably ceased to care.. it emerged that since he knew about the illness he dropped security measures etc.

[@brandonwalsh2876]

Great video as always. Post more often, i love this shit.

[@TheMobReporter]

BW, I'm glad you like my content. I can't post more often, though. Not and retain anything close to the quality. I post once a week, almost every week, and that damn near kills me.