Around 130 individuals were arrested on Tuesday in a large-scale operation against the Sicilian Mafia, known as Cosa Nostra, in Palermo, Reuters reports.
This operation underscores the group’s persistent influence as a major criminal organization, despite a series of setbacks over the past few decades.
Cosa Nostra, once the dominant force of terror in Italy during the 1980s and 1990s, has faced increased competition from the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta, which has since become Europe’s most powerful mafia. Nevertheless, recent investigations indicate that Cosa Nostra retains a well-organized structure and operational capabilities.
The Carabinieri police reported that the suspects apprehended were charged with a variety of serious offenses, including drug trafficking, attempted murder, extortion, illegal online gambling, and illegal possession of firearms. In addition to the arrests, new warrants were issued for 33 suspects already incarcerated for other crimes.
Law enforcement officials revealed that the mafia families in Palermo have resumed coordinating their activities across the city and its surrounding areas, reminiscent of their operations during the height of Cosa Nostra’s power. The ongoing investigation showed a resurgence of authority among inner-city families, overcoming the prior dominance of a faction from Corleone—a town notorious for producing infamous mafia bosses like Toto Riina and Bernardo Provenzano.
The modern mafia has adapted to new technologies, employing encrypted mobile phones smuggled into prisons. This allows incarcerated bosses to maintain control and direct their operations from behind bars. Despite enduring repeated law enforcement interventions, Cosa Nostra continues to attract younger recruits. Reports indicate that some new members receive “mafia lessons” from seasoned associates, who provide guidance on extortion and interactions with mafia leaders.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented on the significant bust on social media platform X, stating that the arrests dealt “a very hard blow to Cosa Nostra.”
