Operazione antimafia a Partanna

A severe blow has been dealt to the Partanna mafia family, part of the Castelvetrano district. This morning, the Carabinieri of the Trapani Investigative Unit, with the support of the "Cacciatori di Sicilia" Helicopter Squadron and the local units of the force, executed a precautionary custody order issued by the Court of Palermo against five individuals, charged with various counts of mafia association, illegal possession of weapons, attempted extortion, and aiding and abetting. Three of the suspects were taken to prison, while two others were ordered to remain in residence and report to the judicial police. The operation, coordinated by the Palermo District Anti-Mafia Directorate, is part of an investigation that has uncovered serious evidence of a convergence of illicit interests between leading members of the Partanna mafia clan and local businessmen active in the construction and oil sectors. According to investigators, the criminal group allegedly interfered with public and private procedures in an attempt to strengthen its control over the territory. Among the alleged incidents were the tampering with a Sciacca Court tender procedure for the acquisition of an industrial warehouse, influencing public contracts, and pressuring relatives to hire olive oil companies, often accompanied by intimidation. The same methods were allegedly used to "resolve" disputes between private individuals. Among those targeted by precautionary measures is Giovanni Luppino, 60, who was arrested in January 2023 for acting as a driver for the then-fugitive Matteo Messina Denaro. According to investigators, he allegedly participated in an extortion attempt against an olive oil entrepreneur, aimed at raising funds to support the mafia boss while he was on the run. It should be noted that the individuals involved in the operation are currently only suspected of crimes. Their responsibility will be ascertained exclusively during the trial, in full compliance with the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence.