Major Mafia Bust in Sicily Results in 181 Arrests

ITItaly|

A large-scale police operation in Sicily resulted in the arrest of 181 suspected members of the notorious "Cosa Nostra" mafia on February 11, 2025. According to authorities, 1,200 heavily armed Carabinieri conducted the operation in Palermo, surrounding homes and blocking escape routes. The raids followed extensive investigations led by Prosecutor Maurizio de Lucia, with officers listening in on communications between mafia members.

The arrested individuals face serious charges, including murder, assault, extortion, and drug and arms trafficking. Investigators were tipped off when several mafia members unwittingly read chat messages aloud, revealing names and connections to other associates.

Though this operation marks a significant blow to organized crime in the region, officials stated that not all members of the encrypted mafia communication network have been apprehended. The search for remaining suspects continues as authorities aim to disrupt the mafia's operations further.

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