The Carabinieri of the Provincial Command of Messina carried out a precautionary custody order against 33 people accused, in various capacities, of mafia association, clandestine horse racing, clandestine bets on unauthorized sports competitions, mistreatment of animals, fraudulent transfer of values, extortion, association aimed at drug trafficking, drug dealing.
The investigation was coordinated by the Messina DDA led by the prosecutor Maurizio de Lucia. The operation made it possible to break up the Galli clan and to identify a drug distribution network that operates in various districts of Messina. The investigation documented the clan's control of the betting business on clandestine horse racing organized at night in the city and suburbs. The roads chosen for the races are closed to traffic by groups of young people on scooters and motorcycles recruited by the clan to allow the undisturbed passage of horse-drawn carriages.