Italy detains more than 180 individuals suspected of mafia connections
Italian authorities apprehended 181 individuals believed to be connected to the mafia in a significant operation, delivering a “hard blow” to Cosa Nostra’s efforts to make a comeback. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Italian police have conducted a significant raid against the Cosa Nostra mafia in Palermo, culminating in the arrest of 181 suspects, including influential bosses and extortionists. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime in Sicily and thwart the mafia's resurgence.
The raid, which took place on Tuesday, was coordinated by the Anti-Mafia Directorate in Palermo and involved 1,200 officers. Authorities characterized the arrests as a “hard blow” to organized crime, and police also confiscated over 50 kilograms of drugs.
Investigators disclosed that the individuals taken into custody had connections to various mafia clans operating within the city and its outskirts. The suspects are facing multiple charges, such as mafia association, attempted murder, drug trafficking, extortion, illegal gambling, and weapons offenses.
Cosa Nostra, the infamous Sicilian criminal organization, instilled fear across Italy during the 1980s and 1990s. Despite decades of crackdowns by law enforcement, investigators maintain that the organization remains active and is striving to regain its former influence.
“The mafia is absolutely active – and is trying to recreate the army of the past,” remarked Palermo’s chief prosecutor, Maurizio De Lucia, during a press conference on Tuesday. “There are many young people who are influenced by the old bosses who return.”
Among those apprehended were recently released mafia leaders who had resumed control over criminal operations. Officials noted that Cosa Nostra has been employing encrypted smartphones to elude law enforcement, thereby enabling fugitives to manage criminal enterprises from a distance.
Authorities believe that this operation has significantly hindered Cosa Nostra’s ability to coordinate its activities in Palermo. However, they express concern that the organization continues to seek ways to fortify its power base despite ongoing law enforcement pressure.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remarked on X, stating that the overnight arrests dealt “a very hard blow to Cosa Nostra.” She also commended law enforcement, asserting, “Thanks to the Carabinieri and all law enforcement forces who work every day to protect legality and the safety of citizens. The State is there and does not retreat.”
Echoing her sentiments, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized, “We move forward with determination because the mafia can and must be defeated.”
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
The raid, which took place on Tuesday, was coordinated by the Anti-Mafia Directorate in Palermo and involved 1,200 officers. Authorities characterized the arrests as a “hard blow” to organized crime, and police also confiscated over 50 kilograms of drugs.
Investigators disclosed that the individuals taken into custody had connections to various mafia clans operating within the city and its outskirts. The suspects are facing multiple charges, such as mafia association, attempted murder, drug trafficking, extortion, illegal gambling, and weapons offenses.
Cosa Nostra, the infamous Sicilian criminal organization, instilled fear across Italy during the 1980s and 1990s. Despite decades of crackdowns by law enforcement, investigators maintain that the organization remains active and is striving to regain its former influence.
“The mafia is absolutely active – and is trying to recreate the army of the past,” remarked Palermo’s chief prosecutor, Maurizio De Lucia, during a press conference on Tuesday. “There are many young people who are influenced by the old bosses who return.”
Among those apprehended were recently released mafia leaders who had resumed control over criminal operations. Officials noted that Cosa Nostra has been employing encrypted smartphones to elude law enforcement, thereby enabling fugitives to manage criminal enterprises from a distance.
Authorities believe that this operation has significantly hindered Cosa Nostra’s ability to coordinate its activities in Palermo. However, they express concern that the organization continues to seek ways to fortify its power base despite ongoing law enforcement pressure.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni remarked on X, stating that the overnight arrests dealt “a very hard blow to Cosa Nostra.” She also commended law enforcement, asserting, “Thanks to the Carabinieri and all law enforcement forces who work every day to protect legality and the safety of citizens. The State is there and does not retreat.”
Echoing her sentiments, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized, “We move forward with determination because the mafia can and must be defeated.”
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
