# Anti-mafia operations in Sicily

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/anti-mafia-operations-in-sicily
> Updated: 2026-09-24T06:25:08.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

Authorities in the provinces of Catania and Siracusa conducted an anti-mafia operation involving the Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza. The investigation, coordinated by the Catania District Prosecutor’s Office, resulted in 25 precautionary measures against individuals suspected of mafia association, drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, robbery, and illegal weapons possession. Those implicated include relatives of the Santapaola criminal clan.

New details from the investigation identify the Nardo clan, centered in Lentini, as a primary target. The Nardo clan is reportedly affiliated with the Santapaola-Ercolano mafia family and allegedly engaged in extortion within the agri-food sector—specifically targeting citrus fruit transport and marketing—as well as public works contracts. Simultaneously, a second group linked to the Santapaola-Ercolano family was identified as managing transnational drug trafficking, importing cocaine, marijuana, and hashish from Spain.

As part of the operation, which involved over 250 military personnel, officials ordered the preventive seizure of assets valued at approximately 5.5 million euros, comprising companies, corporate shares, real estate, vehicles, and financial assets. Law enforcement searches also led to the arrest of five individuals in flagrante and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and approximately 2 kg of drugs.

## Claims

- The Catania District Prosecutor's Office coordinated the investigation. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The Catania judge (Gip) ordered 25 precautionary measures against suspects. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Suspects face charges including mafia association, organized drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, robbery, and illegal possession of weapons. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- The investigation identified the Nardo clan, centered in Lentini, as being historically affiliated with the Santapaola-Ercolano family. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The clan exerted extortionate pressure on the agri-food supply chain, specifically regarding citrus fruit transport and marketing. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Authorities ordered the preventive seizure of assets, including companies, real estate, and financial holdings, valued at approximately 5.5 million euros. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- A second criminal group linked to the Santapaola-Ercolano family was identified as being involved in international drug trafficking from Spain. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Police arrested 5 individuals in flagrante during searches that uncovered weapons, ammunition, and approximately 2 kg of drugs. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The investigation involves individuals linked to the Santapaola criminal clan, including relatives of the boss. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Catania and Siracusa anti-mafia operation targets Nardo and Santapaola-Ercolano clans

An anti-mafia operation in Catania and Siracusa led to 25 precautionary measures against the Nardo and Santapaola-Ercolano clans for extortion, drug trafficking, and mafia association.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catania-and-siracusa-anti-mafia-operation-leads-to-25-arrests

### 2026-09-24: Trapani authorities confiscate 3 million euros in assets

Italian authorities confiscated over 3 million euros in assets in Trapani, including real estate and businesses, linked to a person suspected of agricultural fraud and social danger.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trapani-authorities-confiscate-3-million-euros-in-assets

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Cite as: Anti-mafia operations in Sicily. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/anti-mafia-operations-in-sicily