An Italian mafia boss has been arrested on the Costa Blanca after hiding among the expat community for the past year.

Pietro Izzo, 59, a suspected leader within the Licciardi clan of the Neapolitan Camorra, was detained by the Policia Nacional last Friday near Alicante’s Santa Barbara Castle.

According to police, the fugitive, who is nicknamed ‘the firefighter’ for unknown reasons, had managed to evade capture for months by following strict security routines.

However, investigators believe plans to meet relatives ahead of his 60th birthday on May 28 ultimately led officers to his location.

Italian authorities had alerted Spanish police to the possible presence of the alleged mafia boss somewhere on the Costa Blanca.

The Policia Nacional’s Fugitive Unit subsequently coordinated with organised crime investigators in Alicante after intelligence suggested Izzo planned to meet his son in the city.

Officers eventually spotted him in the San Anton and El Pla neighbourhoods before he headed towards Santa Barbara Castle.

Police say he later entered the La Ereta car park area, where officers moved in to arrest him.

Investigators claim Izzo attempted to flee on foot and violently resisted arrest before being restrained and handcuffed.

He has since been transferred to Spain’s Audiencia Nacional, which is handling extradition proceedings requested by Italy.

Italian prosecutors are seeking his return over allegations including extortion, blackmail and membership of a criminal organisation – offences carrying a possible prison sentence of up to 20 years.

Authorities in Italy link Izzo to an extortion case in Naples last June involving a construction worker allegedly forced to pay protection money in order to continue renovation work.

Investigators claim the builder was initially pressured into paying €1,000 before being threatened and ordered to hand over a further €5,000. Italian authorities believe those carrying out the intimidation were acting under Izzo’s instructions.

Spanish police say the suspect had significant financial resources while living in hiding in Spain.

At the time of his arrest, officers reportedly found him carrying €2,000 in cash.

Investigators also claim he regularly used public transport to avoid detection and relied on third parties to buy food, medicine and other everyday essentials on his behalf.

Instead of celebrating his 60th birthday later this month, the alleged Camorra figure now faces extradition back to Italy.