Italian Police Arrest Nearly 200 Mafia Members in Sicily Crackdown

Italian police conducted a significant crackdown on the Cosa Nostra mafia in Sicily, resulting in the arrest of nearly 200 suspected members, the largest operation against the mafia since 1984. Wiretaps revealed mafia bosses, including Giancarlo Romano, lamenting the declining quality of recruits, describing them as 'miserable' and too quick to cooperate with authorities. Romano urged young wannabe gangsters to watch 'The Godfather' for insights into the trade and to pursue education to connect with influential figures in Italy. The arrests were part of an extensive operation involving over 1,200 police officers and included charges for serious crimes such as murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the raids as a historic blow to the mafia, while local prosecutors noted the ongoing challenge of youth still viewing mobsters as role models. The Cosa Nostra is reportedly trying to rebuild its influence amid increasing competition from rival criminal organizations.