A man wanted by the Italian authorities, as he fled the country after being sentenced to prison for international high-risk drug trafficking, was arrested in Romania on Thursday, October 4.

The Italian media reported that the man is Vito Bigione, a member of the Italian mafia, and one of the first to create a link between Cosa Nostra, 'Ndrangheta and the South American cartels dealing with cocaine trafficking, local News.ro reported. Bigione was among the top 30 most dangerous fugitives in Italy.

The Romanian Police cooperated with Italian police officers in this case. The 66-year-old Italian was caught and arrested in Oradea, according to the Romanian Police.

The Italian authorities sentenced him to 15 years in prison for international drug trafficking. He was placed under preventive arrest in Romania.

Irina Marica, irina.marica@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Facebook / Politia Romana)