Mafia: Marsala-Mazara blitz, those arrested remain silent before the investigating judge
PALERMO – During preliminary hearings before Palermo investigating judge Fabio Pilato, all those arrested in the anti-mafia operation that saw 17 arrests last Monday between Mazara del Vallo and Marsala availed themselves of the right to remain silent .
Seven people ended up in prison and ten under house arrest. The operation dismantled mafia control of the rural areas of the southern side of Trapani .
And as a key figure in the Mazara mafia district (which includes Marsala) Pietro Burzotta emerges. Son-in-law of the deceased boss Vito Gondola, Burzotta would have inherited his father-in-law's criminal legacy, taking on a leading role in the management of the grazing areas.
The investigation also includes an episode of auction rigging at a judicial sale. That of a piece of land, between Mazara and Petrosino, of the company “Orto Verde” of Giuseppe Alberto Argano, declared bankrupt by the Court of Marsala.
According to the DDA investigations, the attempted interference was orchestrated by mafia affiliates, including Domenico and Pietro Centonze and Michele Marino , who, using the intimidating power of Cosa Nostra, allegedly distanced the bidders from the procedure with threats, collusion and promises, in order to have it awarded to individuals close to the organisation.
