Over 180 Arrests in Major Mafia Crackdown in Sicily

In a significant operation against organized crime on the Italian island of Sicily, law enforcement has apprehended more than 180 suspected members of the Mafia. Among those detained are several high-ranking leaders from notorious Mafia clans, particularly from the Cosa Nostra group that operates around Palermo.

The Italian Carabinieri announced that this extensive raid involved over 1,200 officers, focusing their efforts primarily on the capital city of Palermo and its surrounding areas. The individuals arrested are accused of a range of criminal activities associated with the Cosa Nostra, including murder, assault, extortion, drug trafficking, and arms dealing.

The investigation into these suspects was significantly aided by wiretaps, which revealed that incarcerated Mafia members were still communicating with free operatives using encrypted phones. These communications indicated that they were still capable of issuing orders and managing street-level operations from behind bars, often mentioning names during discussions, suggesting a level of confidence in their security.

According to reports, some of the suspects appeared to have anticipated the impending crackdown and had begun making plans for potential escape abroad. The Cosa Nostra is one of the most powerful Mafia organizations in Italy, alongside the 'Ndrangheta from Calabria and the Camorra from Naples.

This operation marks a crucial step in the ongoing fight against Mafia influence in Sicily, which has historically been a stronghold for organized crime. Authorities are determined to dismantle these criminal networks that have plagued the region for decades.