The complex case of Erich Priebke can be analysed through two different phases. The first runs from the massacre of 335 Italian citizens at the Ardeatine Caves in Rome in 1944 to the conviction of Herbert Kappler and other Nazi officers involved in that shooting on 20 July 1948. During mis four-year period, Priebke became untraceable and escaped justice. The second phase starts when the former SS officer was detected in Argentina in May 1994 and, following extradition proceedings there, was extradited to Italy, where he underwent two criminal trials in front of the Italian military jurisdiction.