Nun Among 24 Arrested in Italian Mafia Crackdown

In a significant police operation in northern Italy, Sister Anna Donelli and 23 other individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement with the 'Ndrangheta mafia. The arrests stemmed from a four-year investigation revealing extensive criminal activities, including money laundering through scrap metal businesses.

In an unprecedented move, Italian law enforcement arrested 24 individuals, including a nun, in connection with an extensive mafia investigation targeting the 'Ndrangheta in northern Italy. Sister Anna Donelli allegedly served as an intermediary for the mafia group and its incarcerated members. Police conducted raids in multiple locations across Lombardy, Veneto, and Calabria, resulting in the seizure of over €1.8 million worth of assets.

This crackdown is the culmination of a four-year investigation into the 'Ndrangheta, one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in Europe. Law enforcement agencies involved have revealed that Sister Donelli, who volunteered at a prison, exploited her access to facilitate communication between gang leaders and their criminal associates.

While police have withheld the names of the politicians arrested during the operation, they have emphasized that the inquiry is ongoing, with many officers scouring various residences. Specialized units, including sniffer dogs trained to detect weapons, drugs, and cash, are assisting in the searches.

Investigators have uncovered that the mafia group was primarily laundering money through businesses in the scrap metal trade, with an estimated €12 million funneled into illegal activities. The 'Ndrangheta originated from Calabria, a region noted for its economic hardship, and it continues to be a dominant force in organized crime. Last November, Italian justice officials sentenced over 200 individuals to more than 2,200 years in prison in a historic trial against mafia operations.