Lucio Aquino, one of the brothers of the Aquino clan, was arrested on Saturday evening and extradited to Italy that had issued a European Arrest Warrant for him. The arrest is part of a large-scale investigation into the 'Ndrangheta, a powerful international mafia from the southern Italian region of Calabria.
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'Ndrangheta mafia probe: Lucio Aquino arrested and extradited to Italy
Colin Clapson
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‘Italy issued a European Arrest Warrant and we executed it,’ said Anja Deschutter, spokesperson for the Limburg Public Prosecutor's Office. ‘In that context, Mr Aquino was arrested on Saturday evening and handed over to the Italian authorities. He was put on a plane and, given his medical condition, this was done under medical supervision.’
According to daily Het Belang van Limburg, the arrest is part of a major Italian investigation into the ‘Ndrangheta mafia, called 'Eureka’. This criminal organisation has its roots in southern Italy's Calabria region, but also operates abroad. The gang is considered one of the most powerful in Europe.
However, the origins of this case can be traced back to Belgium. The investigation was launched in 2018 and led to a large-scale operation in several European countries in May 2023. Thirteen people were arrested in Belgium including Lucio Aquino. The investigation focused on money laundering, tax evasion, drug smuggling and fraud. Following Belgium’s example, Italy also started its own investigation.
But what about the Costa trial?
Italy requested Aquino's extradition. Two years ago, a Belgian court agreed, but Aquino's lawyers successfully appealed. Among other things, the fragile health of the suspect played a role in this. Several other suspects have already been extradited to Italy.
In addition, the authorities also wanted to wait for the Costa investigation to be resolved first. Aquino is one of the main suspects in that major drug trial. That case revolves around at least 25 tonnes of cocaine deliveries.
However, the Costa trial has already been postponed several times, most recently until 2 February 2026. What are the ramifications of Aquino's extradition for that trial? ‘The proceedings will continue as normal, even though Mr Aquino will not be present,’ Deschutter said.
Aquino's lawyers are unhappy about the extradition and claim a lack of information and have already complained to the judicial authorities.