‘Heads in the sand’: code of silence in Sicilian town that sheltered mafia boss

Authorities suspect omerta may have helped Matteo Messina Denaro live in freedom among 10,000 people

It is hard to believe that in the small Sicilian town of Campobello di Mazara, where everyone knows each other and their secrets, no one thought to inquire after the identity of the man who had turned up out of the blue, with no known family or friends, over a year ago.

Impeccably dressed in designer clothes, he could be seen drinking an espresso at the local cafe on most mornings, dining in a pizzeria, strolling the streets, shopping, and cordially greeting his neighbours.