The alleged head of the Neapolitan Mafia, one of Italy’s most-wanted criminals, has been captured after police made a bugged recording of him talking about his low-fat diet.


Edoardo Contini: arrested in Naples

Edoardo "Angelface" Contini, 52, was having dinner with members of his family when armed officers burst into his hideaway and arrested him as he tried to leap out onto his balcony.

"You are very brave," he told them.

Contini had been on the run for seven years, and had relinquished almost all forms of communication.

Barbara Sargenti, the public prosecutor, said Contini was terrified of being bugged.

He did not have a phone, and he would give written instructions to his henchmen even when they were in the same room.

Police are analysing the dozens of "pizzini", or little notes, that were found in his apartment in Naples.

In order not to leave any traces, he would also never wear the same socks or underwear twice, preferring to buy new pairs.

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He had not seen his wife, Maria Aiata, since last Christmas. In February, she tried to see him, but he decided against it in order not to give himself away.

He had also not seen his two-month old grandson, Ms Sargenti said.

When it came to food, he would give a list of instructions once a week to a widow who lived in the flat downstairs.

However, police managed to capture him on tape discussing with her how various dishes should be prepared.

Contini was obsessed with keeping trim, and was determined to eat healthily while in hiding.

On his dining table, his weekly menu included Chicken with potatoes, steak and salad and ricotta cheese with rocket. Desserts were banned.

In the corner of his room was a running machine, and a 32-inch television with a Sky subscription.

Police also seized tens of pairs of designer jeans and shoes, from the unusually elegant boss.

Contini was last arrested during the New Year’s celebrations at the chic ski resort of Cortina D’Ampezzo in 1994.

However, he was released in 2000 because his arrest warrant expired before his trial could be concluded. He immediately went underground.

The police said Contini had revolutionised the Camorra, or Neapolitan Mafia, turning it into a major player in the drugs trade.

His arrest must have set off fireworks in Naples.

[/quote]His arrest must have set off fireworks in Naples. [/quote]

Hey Contini, hear that!