Italian Police Arrest 181 Mafia Members in Major Raids in Palermo

ITItaly|

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, Italian police arrested 181 individuals linked to Mafia clans during early morning raids in and around Palermo, Sicily, on Tuesday. The operation, involving over 1,200 officers from the Carabinieri, aimed to dismantle the Mafia's hierarchy, especially its governing body known as the Cupola, according to officials.

The raids were prompted by the recent release of several Mafia bosses on appeal, as authorities seek to curb the resurgence of criminal activities. Investigators noted that those incarcerated have been utilizing encrypted mobile phones to continue their operations while in prison. Some local leaders are said to have maintained control over crime operations without direct contact, illustrating the Mafia's adaptation to modern communication methods.

Historically, Sicily's Mafia has wielded significant power over local businesses through extortion and drug trafficking. The recent arrests included prominent figures such as Tommaso Lo Presti, who had recently been released after serving 12 years for Mafia-related offenses. The raids highlight ongoing efforts by Italian authorities to counteract the persistent influence of organized crime in the region.

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