Carabinieri honored for dismantling Palermo mafia structure

Carabinieri officers have been honored for their roles in ‘Operation Metus’, an anti-mafia investigation that dismantled a Cosa Nostra structure operating in the San Lorenzo-Tommaso Natale district of Palermo.

The investigation, coordinated by the Palermo District Anti-Mafia Directorate, spanned from July 2021 to July 2023. It revealed how the criminal organization reorganized following the arrest of previous leaders, noting the rise of a historical figure from the Partanna Mondello mafia family. Criminal activities uncovered included extortion of construction companies, protection money demanded from businesses in Sferracavallo, a system involving the return of stolen vehicles for payment, and a planned armed assault on an armored cash van in the Zen area.

A ceremony held at the ‘Giacinto Carini’ barracks saw the presentation of 17 commendations. Sixteen were awarded by the Commander of the Carabinieri Legion ‘Sicilia’, General Ubaldo Del Monaco, for investigative work by the Palermo Investigative Nucleus. A 17th commendation was awarded by the ‘Calabria’ Legion for prior service in that region.