Mafia oil racket smashed as 35 Cosa Nostra suspects arrested in Sicily raids

23 April 2026 , 20:06

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Mafia oil racket smashed as 35 Cosa Nostra suspects arrested in Sicily raids

A suspected illegal vegetable oil racket has been dismantled after 35 suspected members of the Cosa Nostra mafia group were arrested.

Italian Carabinieri conducted a series of coordinated raids across the town of Niscemi, Sicily, as part of an operation known as Mondo Opposto 2.

Of those targeted, 32 are in pre-trial detention while the other three are under house arrest. Another 18 people are being investigated.

Investigators say the organization, allegedly led by brothers Alberto and Sergio Musto, had evolved beyond traditional mafia activities into what prosecutors described as a structured criminal enterprise capable of infiltrating the legal economy.

According to the Caltanissetta anti-mafia prosecutor’s office, the group concentrated heavily on the disposal of used vegetable oil—a sector described as highly lucrative but lightly regulated.

Investigators allege the Musto family monopolized the industry in Niscemi by forcing businesses to contract with favored companies through intimidation, in return for fixed commissions.

Prosecutors say Alberto Musto developed the scheme while serving a prison sentence in northern Italy, where he allegedly learned the mechanics of environmental crime from other inmates, according to Today 24.

After his release, the model was put into practice using unauthorized operators and companies based in Favara and Catania, in violation of environmental regulations, according to La Sicilia.

Investigators allege the Mustos imposed a system under which dealers were required to obtain authorization to operate and to contribute financially to the organization, with violent reprisals used to enforce compliance.

Prosecutors said the investigation prevented a planned expansion of the group’s activities into the nearby city of Gela, where they believe the clan intended to replicate the model across larger industrial sectors, including mineral oils and plastics.

All allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.

Thomas Brown

Head of Investigations