Sicily revokes century-old Mondello beach concession over mafia links

"Mondello beach in Palermo, Sicily, has also been mired in controversy, the subject of complaints stretching back a century from residents and tourists who say its private lidos, cabins and deckchairs have left scant room for public access. All that could change after Sicilian authorities revoked the permit of Italo Belga, the company that has controlled the beach for all that time, citing the risk of mafia infiltration into another firm subcontracted to carry out maintenance."

"Last year, an inquiry by the regional MP Ismaele La Vardera and reporting in La Repubblica newspaper revealed that individuals who worked for the subcontractor GM Edil had relatives who were members of Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian mafia that controls the Mondello area. La Vardera was subsequently given police protection."

"Italo Belga strongly denied having any dealings with mafia figures and its managers are not under investigation for mafia-related offences. The company said it was unaware that employees of its subcontractor had familial links to the mafia and that it has operated in full compliance with the law."

Mondello beach in Palermo, Sicily, a celebrated European shoreline known for its Caribbean-blue water and white sand, has faced century-long complaints about limited public access due to private lidos, cabins, and deckchairs. Sicilian authorities revoked the operating permit of Italo Belga, the company controlling the beach, citing mafia infiltration risks. An investigation revealed that employees of subcontractor GM Edil had relatives connected to Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian mafia controlling the Mondello area. The investigative MP received police protection following the inquiry. Italo Belga denied mafia involvement, stating it was unaware of employees' familial mafia connections and had already terminated its relationship with GM Edil after authorities flagged criminal infiltration risks.

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