Italy arrests over 180 suspected mafia members (VIDEO)

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has praised the raids as a “hard blow” to Cosa Nostra and its attempt at a revival

Italian police have carried out a large-scale raid against the Cosa Nostra mafia in Palermo, arresting 181 suspected members, including high-ranking bosses and extortionists. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime in Sicily and prevent the mafia from regaining power.

The raid, launched on Tuesday and coordinated by the Anti-Mafia Directorate in Palermo, involved 1,200 officers. The authorities described the arrests as a “hard blow” to organized crime. Police also seized more than 50kg of drugs.

Investigators revealed that those arrested were linked to multiple mafia clans operating across the city and surrounding areas. The suspects face a range of charges, including mafia association, attempted murder, drug trafficking, extortion, illegal gambling, and weapons offenses.

The notorious Sicilian criminal organization Cosa Nostra terrorized Italy in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite decades of law enforcement crackdowns, investigators say Cosa Nostra remains active and continues working to rebuild its influence.

181 arresti a #Palermo: decapitata la regia dei traffici illeciti nel capoluogo condotti secondo le rigide regole di "cosa nostra". 1200 #Carabinieri in campo 📄➡️ https://t.co/UWatZFre07 pic.twitter.com/nZ3leOhetw

— Arma dei Carabinieri (@_Carabinieri_) February 11, 2025

“The mafia is absolutely active – and is trying to recreate the army of the past,” Palermo’s chief prosecutor, Maurizio De Lucia, said at a press conference on Tuesday. “There are many young people who are influenced by the old bosses who return.”

Among those arrested were recently freed mafia leaders who had resumed control of criminal operations. Officials revealed that Cosa Nostra has been systematically using encrypted smartphones to evade law enforcement, allowing fugitives to continue managing criminal enterprises remotely.

The authorities believe the operation has significantly disrupted Cosa Nostra’s ability to coordinate criminal activities in Palermo. However, they warn that the organization is still seeking to strengthen its power base despite continued pressure from law enforcement.

“The mafia must be defeated with determination and without any compromise,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote in a post on X, calling the overnight arrests “a very hard blow to Cosa Nostra.”

Meloni also praised law enforcement, stating, “Thanks to the Carabinieri and all law enforcement forces who work every day to protect legality and the safety of citizens. The State is there and does not retreat.”

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto echoed her stance, saying, “We move forward with determination because the mafia can and must be defeated.”