Another blow to the Palermo mafia. The investigating judge has ordered 18 arrests - 16 in prison and two under house arrest - targeting bosses, henchmen, and extortionists of the Resuttana clan. The investigation, coordinated by prosecutor Maurizio de Lucia and deputy prosecutor Marzia Sabella, has dismantled one of the wealthiest criminal organizations in the capital. The operation has been named "Resurrezione" (Resurrection).
"They have the city in their hands," said some intercepted men of honor, referring to the heads of the clan. The suspects are accused of various crimes, including mafia association, extortion, drug trafficking, illegal possession of weapons, and violation of special surveillance obligations.
The investigations, conducted by the Mobile Squad and SCO (Special Operations Group), have reconstructed the clan's organizational chart and identified several cases of extortion targeting commercial and entrepreneurial activities. They have also confirmed the clan's control and management of funeral services at Villa Sofia Hospital in Palermo.
The racket, which allows Cosa Nostra to maintain control of the territory and support the organization and families of prisoners, follows the classic script of "protection money." This involves the payment of a sum of money by the victim, which is then funneled into the clan's "baciliedda" (bacinella, i.e., basin), or the recovery of debts owed by individuals close to the "family." The management of protection money has even caused tensions between two neighboring clans, Resuttana and San Lorenzo, which were resolved during a clarifying meeting between the representatives of the two families.
The Chief of Police in Palermo, Leopoldo Laricchia, commented on the operation called Resurrezione: "The police operation carried out this morning, which led to the execution of 18 precautionary measures, has dismantled the Resuttana mafia faction, resulting in the arrest of its leader and other men of honor who played prominent roles in the systematic extortion activities against entrepreneurs from various sectors. However, the most significant aspect is the exposure of collaboration by professionals in criminal activities, the so-called 'mafia bourgeoisie,' who did not hesitate to use their skills in favor of Cosa Nostra."
"Further infiltration into the economy has occurred through restaurant entrepreneurs who have effectively formed a real mafia enterprise together with the head of the faction, seriously distorting competition and the freedom of economic initiative," added the Chief of Police. "Unfortunately, this operation highlights how, contrary to the official public discourse, a part of the professional and business world is susceptible to easy gains obtained through the intimidating force of the mafia."
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