In a significant development, Guyana authorities have apprehended a Dutch fugitive with purported ties to the notorious Italian mafia syndicate, 'Ndrangheta. Identified as Vitesh G. (50),
the individual had been on Interpol's radar since November 2019 for charges related to criminal conspiracy and international drug trafficking, as reported by De Telegraaf.
The arrest took place at a prominent nightclub situated on Main Street in Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana, where G. had been residing and operating a boutique. Law enforcement suspects his involvement as a member of 'Ndrangheta, allegedly orchestrating sizable cocaine shipments for the criminal organization.
Local authorities reveal that 'Ndrangheta had been orchestrating the smuggling of cocaine shipments, weighing up to 200 kilograms, from Brazil, Guyana, and Colombia, traversing through Guyana en route to Rotterdam and Antwerp. G. stands accused of playing a pivotal role in these operations spanning from January 2015 to June 2018, prompting Interpol to add him to its wanted list on November 12, 2019.
Presently, investigations are underway to determine the feasibility of G.'s extradition.
The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) characterized 'Ndrangheta as an aggressive criminal organization akin to the mafia in 2018. It highlighted the syndicate's extensive influence, asserting control over a significant portion of the European cocaine trade, alongside engaging in systematic money laundering, bribery, and violent crimes.