Sardinia is bracing for a potential influx of mafia inmates under a new plan by the Italian government. The plan involves concentrating approximately 750 prisoners, held under the strict "41bis" regime, in select facilities. Concerns are rising among Sardinians that this could lead to increased mafia activity and infiltration on the island, particularly in less prosperous areas.

The island, once a dumping ground for criminals, has cultivated a reputation centered on tourism. The government's decision to potentially house a large number of high-profile mobsters has alarmed residents. They fear that this could attract mafia clans to the island to be near imprisoned relatives, potentially leading to money laundering and the infiltration of local businesses.

Local authorities worry about the potential impact on the economy, particularly in Nuoro, a city of 30,000 residents. Experts suggest that the government's plan could allow the mafia to exploit the island's fragile healthcare system and vulnerable economic conditions. The potential influx of inmates has prompted calls for increased security resources.

Sardinian officials fear a return to the island's past as a penal colony. With existing prison healthcare already strained, the added burden of caring for high-security inmates could overwhelm the public health service. The situation underscores the need for investment in infrastructure and job creation to counter the risks associated with the mafia's potential expansion.