CATANZARO, Italy – An incarcerated Italian mobster has made headlines for an unexpected achievement while serving a life sentence at the Calabrian prison of Catanzaro. Catello Romano, 33, graduated with honors, earning a sociology degree with a 170-page thesis that delved into his life of crime and contained confessions to three unsolved murders.
According to reports, the gangster-turned-undergraduate detailed his criminal history in the dissertation, portraying a vivid account of his involvement in various crimes, including the murders of rival mobsters and a Naples councilman. The thesis, entitled “Criminal Fascination,” reflected Romano’s personal reflections on his past and the factors that led him to a life of crime.
Despite expressing remorse and acknowledging the impact of his violent actions, Romano’s admissions in the thesis have sparked new interest from prosecutors, raising the possibility of reopening the unsolved murder cases. As a result, he was transferred to a maximum-security prison in Padua, prompting further legal scrutiny.
While the revelations in Romano’s thesis have drawn attention from law enforcement, the sociologist who served as his thesis advisor praised the former mobster’s academic achievement. Charlie Barnao, a professor at Catanzaro University, described Romano as a “brilliant student” and emphasized his commitment to analyzing his life experiences through a sociological research method. Romano’s efforts to confront his past, according to the professor, had a therapeutic function and indicated a desire for personal transformation.
Furthermore, Romano’s cooperation with the authorities following his admission to killing a councilman in 2009 highlighted a complex relationship with law enforcement, as he later attempted to escape from custody. The detailed circumstances revealed in his thesis have raised questions about the potential impact on ongoing legal proceedings and the broader implications for understanding criminal behavior.
In conclusion, Romano’s academic achievement amid his criminal past has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of education, crime, and personal transformation. The details provided in his thesis have triggered a renewed focus on unresolved cases, adding another layer to the complex story of a former mobster’s pursuit of academic success while serving a life sentence.