Ilir Pere , a 48-year-old Albanian originally from Gramshi, was arrested in Belgium on behalf of the Italian state, where he was sentenced to 28 years in prison for drug trafficking and arms sales at the international level.
He was involved in these illegal activities, using a false identity, as the Greek Nikolòas Liarakos.
Italian investigators caught him in Belgium, thanks to a joint operation with Belgian police.
He is now detained in Liège and the anti-mafia magistrates of Catanzaro questioned him in Belgium.
Pere must serve 28 years in prison in Italy and is investigated for " Gentleman II " for drug trafficking between Sibaritide and Germany.
During interrogation, Pere admitted his true identity and the use of cryptophones, but denied an important role in drug trafficking.
He confessed that he had bought weapons to take revenge for his brother killed and burned by other Albanians.
He further explained that cryptophones could be purchased from Turkish and Pakistani suppliers, but only if they were recommended.
Ilir Pere said he escaped from Rebibbia prison on October 27, 2016, together with two Albanian friends, and lived in hiding in Germany, Albania and Belgium for seven years, with the aim of earning money and staying free.
Pere admitted that he had a relationship with Claudio Cardamone from Cassano , but minimized the role of his friend.
He confessed to buying a kilogram of cocaine and keeping 150,000 euros at home, but he does not remember the names of the contacts and that he bargained with members of the 'Ndrangheta.
Italian magistrates have requested Pere's extradition.