Messina mafia network infiltrates public contracts, 12 suspects detained

A coordinated operation by the Direzione Distrettuale Antimafia and the Carabinieri of the Messina provincial command resulted in precautionary measures against twelve individuals linked to a mafia‑run scheme that manipulated public procurement in Sicily and Calabria. Six suspects were placed under house arrest while the other six received a temporary ban on contracting with public administrations. The accused face charges of association for crime, illegal sub‑contracting, fictitious company registration, fraud in public supplies and money laundering.

Investigators uncovered a “shadow” company managed by a 61‑year‑old Messinese entrepreneur, previously convicted for external participation in the Barcellona mafia. Through collusion with awarded firms, the group allegedly controlled works on highways A18 and A20, lighting installations, hydraulic works and energy upgrades for the Centro Direzionale in Reggio Calabria, among other projects. The scheme involved the Consorzio Autostrade Siciliane, the Regional Civil Engineering Office of Trapani, the municipality of Brolo and the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria.

Sicily Democratic Party secretary Anthony Barbagallo linked the case to a broader trend of organized crime targeting public resources and criticised the recent reform of the public procurement code promoted by Minister Salvini. A court in Messina re‑characterised the alleged mafia aggravating factor, classifying the offence as simple association for crime while maintaining the precautionary measures.