Around 130 people were arrested in a large-scale sting against the Sicilian Mafia in Palermo, indicating that it remains a significant criminal force despite setbacks in recent decades. The Cosa Nostra syndicate terrorized Italy in the 1980s and 1990s but has since been overtaken by the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta. The suspects were charged with various crimes including drug trafficking, attempted murder, extortion, illegal online gambling, and possession of firearms.
Additional arrest warrants were issued for 33 suspects who were already in prison for other crimes. Investigations revealed that Palermo’s mafia families coordinate their activities across the city and province, particularly in drug trafficking. Despite being weakened by law enforcement, Cosa Nostra continues to attract young recruits, with one instance documented of a new recruit receiving “mafia lessons” from an older associate.
Modern-day bosses use encrypted mobile phones smuggled into prisons to continue running their operations. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the arrests as a significant blow to Cosa Nostra and emphasized that the fight against the mafia will continue. The inner city families in Palermo have regained authority compared to previous years dominated by a faction from Corleone, the birthplace of notorious bosses Toto Riina and Bernardo Provenzano. The police statement highlighted the use of modern technology by the mafia and the continuation of their criminal activities despite law enforcement efforts.
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