For all we know, these 'mistakes' could have been intended. :D

I don't quite follow your reasoning, why would they want to get caught? Or are you implying that they may have been framed?

The stolen goods are still unaccounted for and four Italians (with links to the mafia) are caught after making pretty stupid mistakes for such an elaborate (and difficult) robbery. How could guys like 'The Genius' and 'The Monster' not have come up with a better plan to dispose of the trash and clean out the apartment? Maybe Notarbartolo is just serving time as part of a bigger deal, either for a share of the spoils or safety from rival mafia members? The others could have been framed, running errands like buying sandwich meats for the masterminds or having their DNA strewn across the vault. Anyone else want to write a Hollywood script with me?

This seems very likely - I imagine a lot of prosecutors are as careerist as people in any other profession. Given a choice between "high probability of successfully prosecuting someone who might have been set up" versus "low probability of successfully prosecuting the real criminals", they will, of course, pick the former.

In a way, everyone wins here - except the insurance companies, I suppose. The criminals some money, the prosecutors make a career.

All I know is that this story is begging for a movie to be based on (The Ocean series or The Italian Job). Hmmm... according to the article, Notarbartolo looks rather photogenic and he has the charm... maybe the real payout is Notarbartolo starring in a movie based on a heist he also starred in?

Also remember that Notarbartolo stayed quiet for years, and suddenly is willing to talk to a reporter about this. There's a reason for that. Whether he's telling the truth or not, he's speaking up because he thinks it will get him something he wants. What is it he wants?