• Alleged Italian crime kingpin Raffaele Imperiale was arrested when police in Dubai executed an Interpol Red Notice in August 2021. He was extradited to Rome in March 2022. All photos: Dubai Police
    Alleged Italian crime kingpin Raffaele Imperiale was arrested when police in Dubai executed an Interpol Red Notice in August 2021. He was extradited to Rome in March 2022. All photos: Dubai Police
  • An extradition process can be complex. Authorities in both countries involved must weigh up the crimes committed and which jurisdictions this took place in.
    An extradition process can be complex. Authorities in both countries involved must weigh up the crimes committed and which jurisdictions this took place in.
  • If a crime took place in the country that the suspect was arrested in, in addition to their home country, that may add further issues.
    If a crime took place in the country that the suspect was arrested in, in addition to their home country, that may add further issues.
  • Imperiale's Dubai home, pictured in a police video in August 2021, featured a painting of infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
    Imperiale's Dubai home, pictured in a police video in August 2021, featured a painting of infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.
  • Dubai Police Swat team officers are briefed before the raid.
    Dubai Police Swat team officers are briefed before the raid.
  • Stacks of money in various currencies were discovered on the premises.
    Stacks of money in various currencies were discovered on the premises.
  • Mr Imperiale is alleged to have links to Naples' Camorra organised crime syndicate and has been implicated in the theft of art, among alleged offences.
    Mr Imperiale is alleged to have links to Naples' Camorra organised crime syndicate and has been implicated in the theft of art, among alleged offences.
  • Dubai Police's Swat team, their identities concealed, pictured at their headquarters.
    Dubai Police's Swat team, their identities concealed, pictured at their headquarters.
  • A sporty Mini is among vehicles owned by Mr Imperiale.
    A sporty Mini is among vehicles owned by Mr Imperiale.
  • A safe at Mr Imperiale's home. He was wanted by Italian authorities and Interpol.
    A safe at Mr Imperiale's home. He was wanted by Italian authorities and Interpol.

Watch: Italian mafia suspect Raffaele Imperiale looks shocked as Dubai Police raid mansion


Salam Al Amir
  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai Police seized large sums of cash, jewellery, paintings and cars when they arrested Raffaele Imperiale, one of Italy's most wanted men.

In a three-minute video shared by police, a team of elite officers raided the Dubai residence where the Italian was hiding on July 30.

It appears to be a large villa with a swimming pool.

The man, who is alleged to be a drugs kingpin of Naples' Camorra organised crime syndicate, was arrested and handcuffed.

Mr Imperiale, 46, was seated on his sofa and two officers interrogated him. Dubai Police said he was using a fake identity under the name of Antonio Rocco.

Other members of the force swept his home.

They are seen checking drawers, going through small bags, and a safe where they found large sums of cash and jewellery.

They found his passport, IDs, luxury watches and other valuables.

A number of paintings police said he was keen on collecting were also seized, while police confiscated a white SUV and a Mini Cooper.

The raid followed a week of constant surveillance during which police used artificial inelegance and more than 300,000 security cameras.

Mr Imperiale's right-hand man, Raffaele Mauriello, 31, was also arrested.

Dubai Police said Mr Mauriello was responsible for plotting and executing murders and assassinations using firearms without a licence.


Updated: August 27, 2021, 11:21 AM