Italian Mafia Boss Arrested in Cancún Over Crime Empire

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Vincenzo Salzano, a 67-year-old Italian national and longtime resident of Playa del Carmen, was arrested by the Federal Ministerial Police in an operation conducted in Cancún, according to unofficial reports confirmed this Monday. The detention was executed under a federal judge’s order and marks a significant blow against an alleged criminal network with deep roots in Mexico’s Caribbean region.

Ties to the ‘Ndrangheta and Mexican Cartels

Salzano is accused of leading a cell linked to the ‘Ndrangheta, one of Italy’s most powerful mafia organizations, and allegedly operated in alliance with the Mexican criminal group “Los Zetas.” Investigations suggest that, alongside his brother Donato Salzano and other relatives, he used tourism-related businesses—including hotels, restaurants, and gyms—as fronts for illicit activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking.

Federal authorities have charged Salzano with money laundering, fraud, document forgery, and currency alteration, among other crimes. His arrest has also drawn scrutiny to several Quintana Roo business figures and politicians suspected of providing protection for his operations.

Prior Criminal History

This is not Salzano’s first encounter with law enforcement. In 2013, he was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, alongside his son Armando and son-in-law Mohammad Iman Nekouie while attempting to smuggle 33 kilograms of pure cocaine aboard a Beechcraft 58P aircraft. After pleading guilty, Salzano served prison time in the U.S., while the other defendants were released.

Authorities allege his organization engaged in drug trafficking between Cancún and Italy, operated illegal casinos, sold stolen vehicles, and laundered money through shell companies. The group is also suspected of importing “chocolate” cars—vehicles with falsified documentation—from Colorado, where they reportedly held investments.

Implications for Quintana Roo

Salzano’s arrest could expose deeper infiltration of organized crime into Quintana Roo’s economic and political structures, particularly in high-profile tourist zones like Puerto Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. However, Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has yet to confirm these developments.

His detention ends over two decades of alleged impunity and has sent shockwaves through the state’s political and business circles, which are accused of shielding his operations.

A Broader Criminal Network

Salzano’s organization is linked to multiple criminal enterprises, including:

• Drug Trafficking: Primarily cocaine shipments from Cancún to Italy.
• Money Laundering: A complex web of businesses used to legitimize illicit profits.
• Illegal Gambling: Unregulated casinos generating untraceable revenue.
• Stolen Vehicle Trade: Trafficking cars of dubious origin from the U.S.

The arrest is expected to trigger further investigations into the extent of his network’s influence in the region.