Pietro Grasso Prosecutor of Palermo Country: Italy

1. Early Career and Judicial Role
2. "Maxi Trial" and Anti-Mafia Efforts
3. Return to Palermo and Rise to Leadership
4. Pursuit of Bernardo Provenzano
5. Suspicions and Collaboration with Law Enforcement

Early Career and Judicial Role

In 1972, Pietro Grasso commenced his legal career in the Palermo Public Prosecutor's Office. From 1984 to 1989, he held the position of Judge.

"Maxi Trial" and Anti-Mafia Efforts

Grasso played a significant role in the "Maxi Trial," a landmark case against Mafia leaders that saw 475 defendants brought to court. In 1989-1999, he served as Deputy National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor.

Return to Palermo and Rise to Leadership

In 1999, Grasso returned to Palermo as Public Prosecutor. In 2013, he was appointed National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor, succeeding Pierluigi Vigna. This appointment marked the culmination of over three decades dedicated to combating organized crime, particularly the Sicilian Cosa Nostra.

Pursuit of Bernardo Provenzano

Grasso vowed to apprehend Bernardo Provenzano, the elusive Mafia boss who had been in hiding since 1963. In recent months, law enforcement authorities made significant progress in tracking Provenzano down, arresting individuals connected to his network. Grasso has extended an invitation for Provenzano to surrender.

Suspicions and Collaboration with Law Enforcement

Some within law enforcement suspect that Provenzano's elusiveness stems from protection by politicians and intelligence agencies. The investigation into his whereabouts remains ongoing.