---
title: "Mafia Boss's Son-in-Law Issued Maltese ID While Wanted"
date: 2026-04-11T14:00:30.056+00:00
updated: 2026-04-11T20:00:45.736+00:00
topics: ["Politics", "Crime", "National"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-04-11/mafia-bosss-son-in-law-issued-maltese-id-while-wanted
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Mafia Boss's Son-in-Law Issued Maltese ID While Wanted

## In brief

- Antonino Ciavarello, son-in-law of mafia boss Totò Riina, received a Maltese ID card and VAT number.
- This occurred while he was reportedly subject to a European Arrest Warrant.
- Momentum has questioned how this was allowed, calling for answers from the Prime Minister.

Momentum, a civil society group, has raised concerns about how Antonino Ciavarello, the son-in-law of notorious Sicilian mafia boss Salvatore “Totò” Riina, was able to obtain a Maltese identity card and VAT number. This happened at a time when Ciavarello was reportedly a wanted man, subject to a European Arrest Warrant.

Reports indicate that Ciavarello relocated to Malta in 2007. He was later arrested in 2009 and extradited to Italy, where he served a prison sentence. He returned to Malta in 2016 after his release.

Newsbook reported that Identità, the agency responsible for identity management, issued Ciavarello his residency card. Lovin Malta highlighted that Momentum has called out Prime Minister Robert Abela over the handling of this case, questioning how Ciavarello could live and operate in Malta despite the international warrant.

The revelations have prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding the processes for issuing residency documents, especially for individuals with international warrants against them.

Independent politician Arnold Cassola has formally questioned how Antonio Ciavarello, the son-in-law of late Sicilian mafia boss Totò Riina, was issued a Maltese residency card and allowed to live freely in Malta.

Cassola highlighted that this occurred despite a European Arrest Warrant reportedly being active against Ciavarello. He has asked Identità, the agency responsible for identity management, and the government for an explanation regarding the matter.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Times of Malta reported on an independent politician's formal questioning of the authorities regarding a residency card.

## Updates

- **2026-04-11:** Independent politician Arnold Cassola has formally questioned Identità and the government regarding the issuance of a Maltese residency card to Antonio Ciavarello.

## Sources (3)

- [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/identita-gave-toto-riina-relative-residency-card-wanted-man.1126775)
- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/identita-gave-riinas-son-in-law-residency-card-while-he-was-a-wanted-man/)
- [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/news/news-politics/momentum-abela-wanted-man/)

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