Bah. Turns out it’s code about sheep, not baaing. 😉
A mafia boss on the run since 1993 communicated with fellow criminals using a code based around sheep, Italian police say.
Officers arrested 11 men they say are linked to the fugitive head of the Sicilian Mafia, Matteo Messina Denaro.
They said Mr Denaro communicated with his henchmen using scraps of paper left at a farm in western Sicily.
Phone messages used to alert the men to new bits of paper or “pizzini” often referred to sheep, police say.
Officers do not believe that the alleged criminals were really discussing agricultural matters.
“The sheep need shearing,” “The shears need sharpening” and “The hay is ready” were among the messages passed between mafiosi, police say.
Another said: “I’ve put the ricotta cheese aside for you, will you come by later?”
