The raids come after a swoop against the Sicilian mafia in December, when a jeweller was captured just before being appointed “boss of the bosses” following the death behind bars of Salvatore “Totò” Riina, who was dubbed “The Beast” due to his brutality.
Two of those arrested in last month’s operation turned state witnesses and revealed information about alleged clan leaders of the Cupola to authorities.
The suspected rising leaders include 29-year-old Leandro Greco, grandson of infamous mobster Michele Greco, and Calogero Lo Piccolo, the son of a powerful boss nicknamed “The Baron”.
“Blood ties, tradition and family continue to be the principles that inspires Cosa Nostra,” police commander Antonio Di Stasio said.
Both men were arrested on Tuesday, police said in a statement.
Others arrested include Giovanni Sirchia, who was accused of transporting both mobsters and secret messages back and forth, as well as four men accused of mafia extortion.
Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Salvini thanked the anti-mafia police for “further weakening the new Cupola”.
Authorities said the recent arrests serve as a warning that any attempt to resurrect Cosa Nostra will be recognised and shut down immediately.
