Sicily revokes century-old Mondello beach concession over mafia links

Sicilian authorities have revoked the century-old concession of Italo Belga, the company controlling Mondello beach in Palermo, due to concerns about mafia infiltration. The revocation stems from a subcontractor, GM Edil, hired by Italo Belga for maintenance, having employees with familial ties to the Cosa Nostra mafia. An inquiry revealed these connections, leading to police protection for the regional MP who investigated. Residents and tourists have long complained about limited public access to the beach due to private lidos. While Italo Belga denies any mafia dealings and claims ignorance of the subcontractor's employees' connections, authorities cited a "systematic willingness to employ individuals close to the mafia" as the reason for the revocation. Italo Belga is considering appeals and legal action.

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