Anti-Mafia investigators yesterday arrested Antonio Iovine, one of the most powerful leaders of the Camorra organised crime group, after 14 years on the run, Italian officials.

Mr Iovine, believed to be the boss of the murderous Casalesi clan, was nabbed in Casal di Principe – the clan’s home town north of Naples, a police spokesman told AFP.

He had been on the interior ministry’s most wanted list for years.

“Today is a great day for the fight against the Mafia,” Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said after the arrest.

Mr Iovine was found hiding in a house in Casal di Principe and tried to escape by leaping from a balcony but was captured before he managed to get away, the spokesman said.

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