In a significant crackdown on the ‘Ndrangheta mafia, Italian police have arrested 24 individuals, including a nun, in a coordinated operation across the Lombardy, Veneto, and Calabria regions.
Authorities also seized assets worth over €1.8 million in what has been described as a major breakthrough in the fight against one of Europe’s most dangerous criminal organizations.
The nun, identified by Italian media as Sister Anna Donelli, was allegedly serving as a liaison between jailed members of the ‘Ndrangheta and their counterparts outside prison walls.
According to law enforcement, Donelli exploited her position as a volunteer in a prison to facilitate communication, using her religious role to gain unrestricted access to penitentiary facilities.
The arrests are the culmination of a four-year investigation targeting the ‘Ndrangheta, an organization originating from Calabria that has grown into one of the world’s most powerful and secretive crime syndicates.
Police statements allege the group utilized scrap metal trading businesses as a front to launder approximately €12 million.
Politicians Implicated, Assets Seized
Among those arrested were two politicians whose identities have not been disclosed. The operation involved raids in multiple towns, with hundreds of officers conducting searches, assisted by sniffer dogs trained to locate weapons, drugs, and hidden cash.
The Brescia Carabinieri noted that the investigation had uncovered sophisticated money-laundering schemes and extensive criminal networks.
Prosecutors highlighted the ‘Ndrangheta’s ability to embed itself in legitimate businesses while maintaining a firm grip on illicit activities, including drug trafficking and extortion.
The Role of Sister Donelli
Authorities described Sister Donelli as an “unsuspecting figure” whose religious vocation allowed her to operate without raising suspicion.
Her alleged role as a go-between has cast a spotlight on how the ‘Ndrangheta seeks to infiltrate various sectors of society to maintain its operations.
“She leveraged her trusted position in the community to aid a dangerous organization,” law enforcement officials stated, emphasizing the broader challenge of rooting out mafia influence in unexpected places.
Continuing Efforts Against the ‘Ndrangheta
The latest arrests underline Italy’s ongoing battle against organized crime. In November 2023, more than 200 members of the ‘Ndrangheta were convicted in one of the largest mafia trials in decades, resulting in a cumulative 2,200 years of prison sentences.
This operation reflects the growing use of multi-regional law enforcement collaboration to dismantle the mafia’s far-reaching networks.
Authorities have pledged to intensify their efforts, with investigations into additional financial crimes and potential accomplices still underway.
The ‘Ndrangheta, deeply rooted in the impoverished region of Calabria, has evolved into a global criminal powerhouse, with activities spanning Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Its vast network relies on family ties, secrecy, and intimidation, making it notoriously difficult to penetrate.
Public Reaction
The arrests have garnered widespread attention in Italy, with citizens and political figures commending law enforcement for their determination.
However, the involvement of a nun and local politicians has raised concerns about the pervasive influence of mafia organizations across societal institutions.
As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on dismantling the organization’s financial and operational structures, signaling that the fight against the ‘Ndrangheta is far from over.