Raffaele Imperiale, 49, told a court in Naples that he paid €12 million for ‘Taiwan’, which forms part of the artificial archipelago called “The World”, constructed in the shape of a world map.

Lawyers for Mr Imperiale — a member of the Camorra — said he was surrendering the island to demonstrate his willingness to co-operate with the authorities, The Guardian reports.

Prosecutors allege that Mr Imperiale was the leader of one of the world’s largest drug cartels, working with Daniel Kinahan and others while evading justice in the UAE.

The court in Naples has heard details of his luxurious lifestyle, at one point spending €400,000 per month while living in Dubai.