A suspected illegal vegetable oil racket has been smashed after 35 suspected members of the Cosa Nostra mafia group were arrested.

Italian Carabinieri carried out a series of co-ordinated raids across the town of Niscemi,Sicily,as part of an operation known as Mondo Opposto 2.

Of those targeted,32 are in pre-trial detention while the other three are under house arrest. Another 18 people are being investigated.

Investigators say the organisation,allegedly led by brothers Alberto and Sergio Musto,had evolved beyond traditional mafia activities into what prosecutors described as a structured criminal enterprise capable of infiltrating the legal economy.

According to the Caltanissetta anti-mafia prosecutor’s office,the group focused heavily on the disposal of used vegetable oil – a sector described as highly lucrative but lightly regulated.

Investigators allege the Musto family monopolised the industry in Niscemi by forcing businesses to contract with favoured companies through intimidation,in return for fixed commissions.

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Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.The large-scale police operation involved hundreds of officers and units (Picture: Italian CarabinieriThere were more than 200 alleged drug transactions (Picture: Italian Carabinieri)Prosecutors say Alberto Musto developed the scheme while serving a prison sentence in northern Italy,where he allegedly learned the mechanics of environmental crime from other inmates,according to Today 24.After his release,the model was put into practice using unauthorised operators and companies based in Favara and Catania,in violation of environmental regulations,according to La Sicilia.Wiretaps also suggest the group maintained firm control over drug trafficking in the area.A series of coordinated raids were carried out in the town of Niscemi

Investigators are now going through mountains of evidence collected in the raidsInvestigators allege the Mustos imposed a system under which dealers were required to obtain authorisation to operate and to contribute financially to the organisation,with violent reprisals used to enforce compliance.Prosecutors said the investigation prevented a planned expansion of the group’s activities into the nearby city of Gela,where they believe the clan intended to replicate the model across larger industrial sectors,including mineral oils and plastics.All allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at .