The operation “Nebrodi 2” was coordinated by the anti-mafia district directorate of Messina and led to various accusations including mafia association, drug trafficking, extortion, aggravated fraud against the EU, money laundering, embezzlement of public funds, and ideological falsehood committed by a public official. The operation was made possible not only through on-field investigative activities but also through the statements of three collaborators of justice, who were former members of the “Batanesi” mafia group. These collaborators reconstructed the activities of the “Tortorican family” which extended its influence to tourist centers in the province of Messina such as Capo d’Orlando and Santo Stefano di Camastra.
The group extorted thousands of euros from a Calabrian company engaged in the construction of a pipeline in Santo Stefano di Camastra between 2015 and 2018. They also used intimidation to acquire agricultural land for grazing. The incursion into the historic “mandamento” of Mistretta raises doubts among investigators about the existence of a clan that has been considered the “cradle” of modern mafia.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of over 750,000 euros from the accounts of eight companies accused of fraudulent activities related to agricultural campaigns between 2015 and 2020. According to the regional commander of the Guardia di Finanza, the investigations confirm that European fraud continues to be one of the main illicit sources of financing for mafia organizations. The Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, praised the efforts of the Carabinieri in combating mafia-related fraud, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting honest citizens and producers.