Monitoring the missing: Trends in the phenomenon of disappearances in Italy, 2019–2022

Background: Missing persons represent a critical issue in Italy with significant social and forensic implications. Methods: Data from the Extraordinary Commissioner for Missing Persons were analyzed for 2019–2022 by year, region, sex, age, and nationality. Results: 75% of missing persons were male; minors accounted for the highest proportion. Sicily and Lombardy showed the greatest numbers, largely reflecting migration and population density patterns. Conclusions: Regional and demographic disparities underline the need for preventive strategies targeting minors and foreign populations.