According to the findings of Italian investigators, Sinomati allegedly offered a payment of €150,000 for the murder of Shehaj. The sum was reportedly delivered to the alleged gunman, Raoul Esteban Calderón, who is already serving a life sentence for the assassination of Lazio ultras leader Fabrizio Piscitelli, known as “Diabolik.” Sinomati had also previously been convicted in Italy alongside Giuseppe Molisso, a well-known figure in the Rome-area narcotics trade.
At the same time, investigators are exploring possible connections between this criminal network and the recent assault on investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, who was attacked near his home in Campo Ascolano—an area close to Torvajanica. These developments have intensified suspicions of international drug-trafficking routes and the involvement of Albanian organized-crime groups operating in Italy.
Tracked Down in Abu Dhabi After Ten Days
Authorities traced Sinomati to Abu Dhabi ten days ago. He was arrested following a request from magistrates of Italy’s Antimafia District Directorate, who consider him the suspected mastermind behind the killing of Shehaj. Investigators describe the case as a violent score-settling within rival criminal factions involved in international narcotics trafficking.
Connection to the Murder of “Diabolik” Piscitelli
Sinomati’s identification was made possible through cooperation between the International Police Cooperation Service and Emirates authorities. Joint investigative work by Italian police and Carabinieri had already established that Calderón—convicted of killing Fabrizio “Diabolik” Piscitelli on August 7, 2019—had been allegedly commissioned by Sinomati to execute Shehaj in exchange for the €150,000 payment.
Drug-Trafficking Angle in Ranucci Attack Investigation
Sinomati had previously been sentenced together with Giuseppe Molisso, considered a prominent figure in Rome’s drug-trafficking world. Molisso has recently re-emerged as a person of interest in the investigation into the attack on journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, which occurred last Thursday evening outside Ranucci’s residence in Campo Ascolano—a village near Pomezia and not far from Torvajanica.
Details of Sinomati’s Arrest in Abu Dhabi
Further details surrounding the arrest are being analysed by Italian and Emirati authorities, who are examining potential links between the suspect’s activities, transnational criminal networks, and ongoing investigations in Italy.
