Last July, we came into contact with a merchant from the province of Palermo who had long been a victim of extortion in his business activities. Once again, we supported and guided someone who, in the Palermo hinterland, found the strength and courage to stand up to the extortion racket.
The province remains a complex territory where Cosa Nostra has historically maintained strong territorial control, perhaps more so than in the city of Palermo itself. In this context, we initiated a process of listening and support alongside the victim. This journey led, in collaboration with the magistrates of the Palermo Anti-Mafia District Directorate, headed by Prosecutor Maurizio de Lucia, and the Carabinieri, to the reporting and formalization of the incidents experienced.
In a short period, thanks to the merchant’s report, Carabinieri and magistrates identified the suspects and reconstructed the extortion episodes and threats suffered. Just a few weeks ago, precautionary custody orders were executed against four individuals, which have since been confirmed by the Court of Review.
The collaboration of the victim, supported by Addiopizzo to report the crimes, along with the investigations conducted by law enforcement and prosecutors, represents a well-established modus operandi. It demonstrates that the conditions exist for swiftly and safely breaking free from the extortion phenomenon.
This case confirms that the contribution of economic operators remains crucial for ensuring that the invaluable work of investigative bodies and judicial authorities can achieve even faster results, like those emerging from today’s investigation.
Now, it is up to those entrepreneurs and merchants still trapped in the grip of extortion to do their part and join those among their peers who have managed to free themselves from mafia constraints.
PRESS
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