Reggio Emilia officials launch provincial anti‑mafia legal‑economy conference

A permanent conference on preventing mafia infiltration of the legal economy was held today at the Palazzo del Governo in Reggio Emilia. The meeting was chaired by Prefect Dr. Salvatore Angieri and attended by the regional prosecutor, the mayor and provincial president, the police chief, the Carabinieri operational commander, the Finance Guard commander, as well as representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, CNA, Confindustria, Coldiretti, Confapi, ASCOM, Confesercenti, professional orders, trade unions, sector associations and the mayors of the province’s municipalities.

Participants discussed the risk that organized crime poses to the region’s rich entrepreneurial fabric, noting that 539 anti‑mafia interdictions have been issued since 2012, including 106 in 2022 alone. The Prefect emphasized the need for stronger preventive measures and the possible adoption of new Legality Protocols, building on those already active in tourism, hospitality and catering.

The conference announced the creation of a Provincial Observatory of Legality, a dedicated body to monitor the territory, collect data and develop strategies against corruption and organized crime. Prosecutor Dr. Gaetano Calogero Paci warned that criminal groups act as unfair competitors and called on professionals, producers and employers to assume responsibility for fostering a culture of legality. He highlighted the role of interdictions and the confiscation of assets in restoring the economic system.

Both the mayor and the provincial president pledged to join the Observatory, reaffirming support for training, information initiatives and ongoing vigilance to protect the legitimate economy.