In southern Tenerife, officers of the National Police conducted a successful operation to detain two men wanted on international warrants at the request of Italy. Both detainees are linked to the Neapolitan mafia Camorra and are considered particularly dangerous criminals. According to investigators, one of them headed the recently formed Cancello-Raia-Cifariello clan and may have continued coordinating criminal activities while living on the island.
The second detainee is also part of the mafia structure and is accused of participating in an armed attack that took place in Striano in 2024. Twelve shots were fired at a man on the street, an incident that caused a major stir in Italy’s criminal circles. Both fugitives were arrested within three days in separate apartments in southern Tenerife, where they were hiding disguised as tourists.
Operation in the Canary Islands: details of the arrest
The investigation began back in October, when Italian law enforcement turned to their Spanish counterparts for assistance through international cooperation channels. European arrest and extradition warrants were issued for both men. One of the detainees is accused of blackmail, extortion, kidnapping, and illegal deprivation of liberty. He faces up to 30 years in prison for these crimes.
The first fugitive was tracked down at the Rocas de Mar tourist complex in the south of the island. According to investigators, he was able to continue directing the activities of his clan from there, taking advantage of the relative anonymity and safety offered by the resort areas of the Canary Islands.
Second Suspect: Charges and Arrest Circumstances
The second detainee, who was also wanted by Interpol, is suspected of involvement in murder and participation in a criminal organization. His name appears in documents concerning an attack in Striano in 2024, when an armed assault was carried out. Thanks to swift international information exchange, he was apprehended just one day after the international alert was issued. He had been hiding in a rented apartment, hoping to avoid police attention.
Both suspects have already been transferred to the relevant authorities to begin extradition proceedings. They face lengthy prison terms in Italy—up to a total of 60 years for the crimes committed.
Cancello-Raia-Cifariello Clan: A New Force in the Camorra’s Ranks
The detainees are considered key figures in the recently formed Cancello-Raia-Cifariello clan, reportedly led by brothers Elia and Maurizio Cancello along with Ferdinando Cifarielli, according to Italian media. This group emerged amid internal conflicts and arrests in older mafia families such as the Amato-Pagano, quickly securing its place in Naples’ criminal hierarchy.
Spanish and Italian law enforcement agencies note that the Canary Islands are increasingly being used by criminals to evade justice, thanks to a well-developed tourist infrastructure and a large influx of foreigners. However, the coordinated efforts of police and international agencies make it possible to efficiently identify and arrest even the most cautious fugitives.
