Sicilian anti‑mafia operations seize weapons, explosives and mafia‑linked artwork

Carabinieri conducting a raid in the Testa dell'Acqua area of Siracusa arrested a 50‑year‑old French national who was found in a farmhouse with a 12‑gauge shotgun, a six‑shot revolver, two French‑made hand grenades, assorted ammunition and three distinctive plates. He was charged with illegal possession of weapons and war‑time munitions and transferred to the Cavadonna prison pending further investigation into the origin of the seized armaments.

In a separate operation in Erice, prosecutors seized a 17th‑century style copy of Albrecht Dürer's portrait bearing the signature of Salvatore Messina Denho, the brother of mafia boss Matteo Messina Denho, from the villa of former chief surgeon Francesco Burrafato, who is under house arrest. The raid also uncovered a pistol, protected turtles, ancient coins and other items. Investigators view the painting and related artifacts as evidence of possible collaboration between the doctor and the Messina Denho clan. The inquiry is led by prosecutor Vito Di Giorgio.