Italian Police Arrest 183 in Largest Mafia Crackdown in Decades

Sicilian Cosa Nostra's efforts to rebuild face a major setback as authorities disrupt criminal networks using advanced surveillance.

Italian police executed dawn raids involving 1,200 officers, arresting 183 individuals linked to the Sicilian mafia, Cosa Nostra, for crimes including extortion, drug trafficking, and attempted murder.
The operation, described as the largest since 1984, targeted efforts to rebuild the mafia's central leadership structure, known as 'la cupola,' which mediates disputes among clans.
Wiretaps revealed mafia bosses lamenting the declining loyalty and quality of new recruits, with some urging young members to learn from 'The Godfather' movie to understand traditional mafia principles.
Authorities uncovered connections between Cosa Nostra and the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta mafia, highlighting cooperation in international drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and national prosecutors praised the crackdown as a significant blow to organized crime, showcasing the state's commitment to combating mafia influence in Sicily and beyond.