The Sicilian parent company behind the Malta-based Sicily By Car franchise has been targeted by a series of violent attacks in recent months, according to reports from Italian media.The latest incident took place on Thursday night when a fire broke out at the company’s headquarters in Palermo’s San Lorenzo district, destroying nine cars and two vans.Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, but it comes just weeks after an alleged arson attack at the company’s depot in Villagrazia di Carini, where dozens of vehicles were reportedly damaged. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)The incidents follow an even more dramatic attack in March, when a group of hooded men armed with machine guns opened fire on a Sicily By Car depot, damaging several vehicles.Investigators are reportedly examining whether the attacks form part of a broader campaign of intimidation linked to organised crime, with Italian media suggesting they may be connected to efforts by younger members of the Cosa Nostra to reassert influence in parts of Sicily.Sicily By Car operates in Malta through a franchise agreement and maintains an office at Malta International Airport.The local franchise is operated by Princess Holdings Ltd, a company owned by businessman Christian Borg, who has faced a number of criminal charges in Malta, including money laundering, fraud and assault. Borg has denied wrongdoing.Following reports linking Borg to an alleged kidnapping case in 2022, Sicily By Car publicly distanced itself from him while continuing its business relationship with the Maltese franchise.Despite the controversy, Malta International Airport renewed its agreement with Sicily By Car in October 2024, allowing the company to continue operating from the airport.The franchise also maintains agreements with several public entities in Malta, including Transport Malta and LESA.Speaking after the March shooting, Sicily By Car founder Tommaso Dragotto said he was “surprised and shocked” by the attack but insisted he was not afraid. He also stated that he had received no threats before the incidents.Meanwhile, Palermo mayor Roberto Lagalla described the attacks as “deeply concerning” and warned that violence and criminal pressure against businesses could not be tolerated.Video credits to marco.szokoll on TikTok•