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Sicily: Seven arrested in Nebrodi anti-mafia operation
Italian authorities have arrested seven individuals following an anti-mafia operation targeting the “Caputo – Pruitt” group in the Nebrodi region. The group, which is reportedly affiliated with the Catanese Cosa Nostra “Santapaola – Ercolano” clan, operated in the municipalities of Cesarò and San Teodoro.
Investigators allege the group used threats, property damage, and livestock theft to intimidate local farmers and secure illegal control over state-owned grazing lands. This control was reportedly used to illicitly obtain agricultural subsidies from the Agency for Agricultural Payments (AGEA). The investigation also documented instances of labor exploitation involving unaccompanied minors of African origin and pressure exerted on veterinarians and agronomists to falsify sanitary records.
The operation, coordinated by the Catania District Anti-Mafia Directorate, spanned the provinces of Messina, Catania, Enna, and Ragusa.
Entities
Agea · Agency for Agricultural Payments · Caputo – Pruiti clan · Caputo – Pruitt · Cosa Nostra · Francesco Curcio · Nebrodi · Santapaola – Ercolano · Santapaola – Ercolano family
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The group allegedly used threats of physical retaliation and livestock theft to control grazing land concessions. www.nuovosud.it · www.sicilianews.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Caputo – Pruiti faction is reportedly affiliated with the Santapaola – Ercolano Cosa Nostra family. www.nuovosud.it · www.sicilianews.it · www.glpress.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] The operation was coordinated by the Catania District Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office. www.nuovosud.it · www.sicilianews.it · www.glpress.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Victims were reportedly forced to pay sums between 500 and 1,000 euros. www.nuovosud.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] The arrested individuals are accused of mafia association, aggravated extortion, illicit mediation, and labor exploitation. www.nuovosud.it · www.sicilianews.it · www.glpress.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation uncovered labor exploitation of unaccompanied African minors in Maletto and Cesarò. www.nuovosud.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] Seven people were placed under arrest warrants in the provinces of Messina, Catania, Enna, and Ragusa. www.nuovosud.it · www.sicilianews.it · www.glpress.it
- [● 2 SOURCES] The criminal group allegedly targeted AGEA agricultural subsidies. www.nuovosud.it · www.sicilianews.it