Pediatric surgeon Marcelletti under arrest A top pediatric heart surgeon was placed under house arrest on Tuesday on charges ranging from extortion to misappropriation of funds and fraud.

Mafia chief's portrait on Palermo cathedral A series of Graffiti portraits of fugitive Cosa Nostra kingpin Matteo Messina Denaro appeared Thursday morning on a back wall of the Palermo cathedral, police reported.

Mobster behind bars after 'pizzo' tip-off Anti-Mafia campaigners in Sicily were celebrating another victory on Tuesday when a mobster who demanded protection money from a Palermo businessman was arrested following a tip-off from his victim.

Pizzo guys nabbed as victims react Police arrest 20 on word of fed- up Palermo businesses - More than 20 Cosa Nostra bag men were picked up Monday in a fresh sign that victims of protection rackets are rebelling against the Mob.

Shoppers get chance to snub Mafia Racket- free supermarket opens in Sicilian capital - Shoppers in the Sicilian capital of Palermo will soon get the chance to thumb their noses at the Mafia by taking their custom to a supermarket with solid racketeering-free credentials.

Wine sets seal on Mafia seizure 'Centopassi' to star at Vinitaly - Wine produced in hills once tainted by Mafia ownership will hold a place of honour at Italy's most prestigious wine festival this month. Vinitaly will showcase Centopassi, the first-ever series of wines made entirely from grapes grown on lands seized from Mafia bosses.

Mafia bosses' assets seized Provenzano and Lo Piccolo property taken in 'huge blow' - Italian police on Thursday seized a slew of property into which Mafia bosses had been pouring dirty money.

Police find Lo Piccolo refuge Police in Sicily have uncovered the hideout of Mafia boss Salvatore Lo Piccolo, who was arrested last November along with his son after 24 years on the run.

(ANSA) - A 145-year-old caffè in the centre of Palermo has just won Italy's caffè of the year award, impressing judges with its smooth coffee, fine pastries and efficient service.