Palermo's 'Kalashnikov Gang' terrorizes city; 22 arrested

Palermo police have apprehended 22 individuals suspected of orchestrating a wave of criminal activity that has terrorized the city for months, involving intimidation and violence.

The arrests, carried out by the provincial command of the Carabinieri, are the result of an investigation coordinated by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate, led by prosecutor Maurizio de Lucia. The suspects are accused of carrying out attacks and acts of intimidation that have plagued the Tommaso Natale-San Lorenzo mafia district since November 2025.

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You know what's happening to others.

Nine of the arrested individuals face charges including extortion, attempted extortion, and illegal possession of war weapons, with the aggravating factor of mafia association. Investigators identified Salvatore Verga, a 36-year-old drug trafficker detained in Trani, as one of the alleged masterminds behind the raids that have instilled fear in Palermo since October. Evidence includes a message found on the phone of one of the lower-level operatives, showing Verga issuing orders from behind bars via smartphone.

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Among the victims of extortion are those who, although still too few, have decided to react: after having suffered extortionate requests, they have chosen to report what happened to the investigative bodies and the judicial authority, also requesting the support of Addiopizzo. These are stories that, while still representing a minority, once again confirm how the contribution of merchants and entrepreneurs is fundamental for the judiciary and police to operate more effectively.

This operation is the second phase of an investigation that previously led to the arrest of eight young men in June, accused of acting for extortion rackets. Only two victims of these rackets have publicly reported extortion attempts, with one entrepreneur detailing demands that began at 5,000 euros and were reduced to 3,000 euros, paid in two installments. The victim's testimony, including descriptions of the perpetrators and images of them demanding payment, strengthened the case against suspects Andrea Perugia and Massimiliano Clemente. They allegedly warned the entrepreneur, "You know what's happening to others," if he didn't comply.

The anti-mafia association Addiopizzo commented on the situation, noting that while the number of victims who choose to report is still small, their courage is crucial for law enforcement. The association urged other entrepreneurs and business owners in the San Lorenzo district who have faced extortion demands to come forward and join those who have already broken free from mafia control.

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Now it is up to all entrepreneurs and merchants in the San Lorenzo district who have suffered extortionate requests to report and join those who, in the meantime, have managed to free themselves from mafia conditioning.