Messina prosecutors seek prison terms in illegal gambling probe

Prosecutors in Messina have requested prison sentences for 14 defendants involved in ‘Operation Kappa’, an investigation into an illegal sports betting and online gambling network. The scheme allegedly involved the collection of unauthorized bets and the subsequent laundering of proceeds through various channels.

The prosecution has requested sentences ranging from one year and three months to seven years in prison. The most severe requests were directed at Letterio Arcolaci, who faces seven years, and Carmelo Salvo, who faces six years. Other defendants face sentences between 15 months and three years and three months.

The investigation, coordinated by the Messina District Anti-Mafia Directorate and carried out by the Guardia di Finanza, began in April 2025. It resulted in 22 precautionary measures, including nine arrests and 13 house arrests, alongside the seizure of assets and companies valued at approximately three million euros. Investigators claim the network utilized technical platforms to manage unauthorized betting and used legitimate retail points to redirect customers toward illegal sites.