Mafia trial confirms convictions for brother-in-law of Messina Denaro and 12 others

Last Updated: December 1, 2023

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The Attorney General of the Court of Appeal of Palermo has requested confirmation of the sentence with which, on February 15, 2022, the Marsala Court sentenced the 13 defendants of the “Annozero” anti-mafia operation to a total of 166 years in prison. The investigation, conducted by the carabinieri, involved two brothers-in-law of the boss Matteo Messina Denaro and other supporters of Cosa Nostra in Castelvetrano, Mazara del Vallo, and Belicino. The most severe sentences (25 years each) were for Gaspare Como, accused of a leading role in the Castelvetrano “family,” and for Dario Messina, considered by investigators to be the new head of the Mazara del Vallo mafia. Other sentences ranged from 7 to 21 years, with additional penalties, confiscations of assets, and compensation for the municipalities of Castelvetrano and Campobello di Mazara and for an ex-councilor who suffered intimidation. The charges included mafia association, extortion, arson, fraudulent transfer of assets, and favoritism. The investigation revealed the mafia’s interest in the online betting sector.