ROME: Italian police arrested around 180 people in a large operation against the Sicilian mafia in Palermo.
The arrests confirm that the mafia remains a powerful criminal force despite past crackdowns.
Authorities targeted the notorious “Cosa Nostra” organization, once dominant in Italy.
Cosa Nostra lost influence to the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta, Europe’s most powerful mafia.
The arrests took place on Tuesday during a large-scale coordinated police action.
Charges Filed
The arrested suspects face charges including drug trafficking and attempted murder.
Other charges include extortion, illegal gambling, and illegal possession of firearms.
Police said 33 additional suspects were already imprisoned for other crimes.
Investigations show that Palermo’s mafia families still coordinate operations citywide.
Drug trafficking remains one of their most organized criminal activities.
Mafia Structure
Authorities discovered that inner-city mafia families have regained influence.
Previously, the mafia was controlled by bosses from Corleone, outside Palermo.
Corleone was the birthplace of infamous leaders like Toto Riina and Bernardo Provenzano.
Investigators revealed that modern mafia bosses use encrypted mobile phones.
These devices are smuggled into prisons to help jailed leaders control operations.
Recruiting New Members
Despite police crackdowns, Cosa Nostra continues attracting young recruits.
One case documented a new recruit receiving “mafia lessons” from an older member.
The mentor instructed the recruit on dealing with extortion targets.
He also advised him on properly interacting with mafia leadership.
Police believe such lessons help sustain Cosa Nostra’s criminal influence.
Government Response
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the arrests as a major victory.
She stated that the crackdown delivered a significant blow to Cosa Nostra.
Meloni emphasized that the fight against the mafia is ongoing.
She assured the public that authorities will not stop pursuing organized crime.
The arrests send a strong message against mafia operations in Italy.
