Police said Vincenzo La Porta was ‘betrayed’ by his love for his hometown club (Picture: Twitter)
A longtime fugitive with links to Italy’s feared Camorra mafia clan has finally been arrested – after breaking cover to celebrate his beloved Napoli’s historic league title win.
Vincenzo La Porta, 60, was on a list of the country’s 100 most dangerous criminals on the run, having managed to evade justice for 11 years.
But even the threat of having to serve the 14-year jail term imposed in his absence couldn’t keep him from joining in the celebrations after his hometown side secured a first Scudetto in 33 years.
La Porta, who was convicted of criminal association, tax evasion and fraud, was spotted smiling alongside fellow fans clutching a blue and white scarf in a restaurant on Corfu.
Armed with the up-to-date photo, police headed to the Greek island where he had been hiding out to track him down.
He is now in a Greek jail awaiting extradition to Italy, where he is due to serve a prison sentence of 14 years and four months.
Napoli secured their first Scudetto championship win in 33 years (Picture: AFP via Getty)
Fans celebrate with flares outside the stadium (Picture: Getty)
Police said they had been following La Porta’s online activity, including financial movements, and waited for him to make a false move that could tip them off to his whereabouts.
‘Betraying him was his passion for soccer and for the Napoli team,’ police said in a statement.
‘With the championship victory, La Porta couldn’t resist celebrating.’
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Police said Vincenzo La Porta was ‘betrayed’ by his love for his hometown club.