Trial of the Agrigento Mafia clan for “paracco”: ten convictions and two acquittals

Last Updated: May 22, 2024

Il processo alla cosca mafiosa agrigentina del «paracco»: chieste dieci condanne e due assoluzioni

Explain the following article in brief:

The public prosecutor of the Dda of Palermo, Pierangelo Padova, has requested ten convictions, with sentences up to 20 years in prison, and two acquittals in the trial resulting from the massive anti-mafia operation “White Gold”. This operation shed light on the “paracco”, a mafia clan alternative to Cosa Nostra and Stidda, and a drug trafficking ring in Agrigento.

The highest sentence – 20 years of imprisonment – was requested for Sarino Lo Vasco, 56 years old, and Tommaso Vitanza, 73 years old. Lo Vasco is considered the “capo decina” of the clan, while Vitanza is an alleged affiliate. Other requests include 8 years for Roberto Alletto, 37 years old, 6 years for Vincenzo Bennardo, 45 years old, 7 years for Vincenzo Curto, 44 years old, 8 years for Salvatore Curto, 41 years old, 6 years for Vincenzo Messina, 37 years old, 8 years for Giovanni Pietro Scaccia, 54 years old, 8 years for Vincenzo Fallea, 45 years old, and 6 years for Maurizio Licata, 57 years old.

Acquittals were requested for Rosario Meli, 39 years old, and Calogero Monterosso, 40 years old, both from Palma. They were all acquitted of the charges of drug trafficking association. The blitz conducted by the Carabinieri on January 13, 2021, also led to the arrest of a city councilor from Palma, who was accused of mafia association and resigned the day after his arrest. The Dda also alleged that he had provided the clan with the services of Unicredit, where he was employed. The banker died in prison after being sentenced in the first instance. The truncated trial process resulted in 9 convictions.