Italian police have arrested 24 individuals, including a nun, in a major mafia investigation that has shaken the country. The arrests, which took place across northern Italy, are part of a four-year investigation into the notorious ‘Ndrangheta crime syndicate, one of Europe’s most dangerous and influential mafia organizations.
Among those arrested is Sister Anna Donelli, a nun accused of acting as a liaison between jailed members of the ‘Ndrangheta and the outside world. Police say Donelli used her position as a volunteer at a prison to facilitate communication between mafia bosses and their associates. Her role as a religious figure, according to law enforcement, granted her “free access to the penitentiary facilities,” enabling her to pass information, money, and possibly illicit goods between imprisoned mafia members and their networks on the outside.
The investigation, which has been ongoing for four years, has revealed that the ‘Ndrangheta mafia was involved in a large-scale money laundering operation. Authorities have seized over €1.8 million worth of assets in raids conducted across various towns in the Lombardy, Veneto, and Calabria regions. The raids were part of a broader effort to dismantle the criminal syndicate’s operations, which have been linked to a wide range of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and arms dealing.
The ‘Ndrangheta, which originates from the southern Italian region of Calabria, is considered one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world. Unlike other Italian mafia groups such as the Sicilian Cosa Nostra, the ‘Ndrangheta operates with a low profile, often avoiding attention while engaging in highly lucrative and sophisticated illegal enterprises. The group’s influence extends beyond Italy, with operations in countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States, where it is involved in everything from cocaine trafficking to human smuggling.
This latest investigation comes on the heels of one of Italy’s largest mafia trials in recent history. In November 2023, over 200 members of the ‘Ndrangheta were sentenced to more than 2,200 years in prison following a trial that exposed the group’s extensive criminal network. Despite this, the organization’s operations appear to remain deeply entrenched, with vast financial resources enabling them to continue their illicit activities.
Authorities have uncovered that the mafia group used scrap metal trade businesses as a front to launder money. Investigators believe that approximately €12 million in laundered funds flowed through these businesses, allowing the ‘Ndrangheta to hide the origins of its vast wealth. Police have also deployed specialized units, including sniffer dogs trained to detect weapons, drugs, and even cash, in a bid to track down further illicit assets.
The arrest of Sister Anna Donelli is one of the most surprising elements of the operation. While her religious status may have made her an unlikely suspect, investigators have said that her position as a prison volunteer allowed her to serve as a critical intermediary for mafia figures behind bars. The involvement of politicians in the operation further complicates the case, though their identities have yet to be revealed. Law enforcement officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing, with further arrests expected in the coming weeks.
The ‘Ndrangheta’s reach within Italy’s political and economic structures has long been a concern for authorities, and the involvement of a nun in this high-profile case demonstrates just how deeply the mafia syndicate has infiltrated the country’s institutions. The investigation has sent shockwaves through Italy, drawing attention to the continued strength of organized crime in the country, even as efforts to combat it intensify.
As the operation continues, Italian police remain determined to break the grip of the ‘Ndrangheta, which continues to pose a significant threat not only to Italy’s security but also to global efforts to combat organized crime.
