Italian Nun Arrested in Major Mafia Crackdown

In a shocking turn of events, Italian law enforcement has arrested 24 individuals, including a nun, as part of an expansive investigation into the 'Ndrangheta mafia, shedding light on the deep-seated corruption entangling crime and religion.

Italian police have made headlines following the arrest of 24 individuals, including a nun, as part of a comprehensive investigation into the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia. Sister Anna Donelli, whose name surfaced in local media, is accused of facilitating communication between incarcerated mafia members and the criminal organization.

The police operation also led to the arrest of two political figures and the seizure of assets valued at over €1.8 million across various locations in the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto, alongside the southern region of Calabria. The arrests are the culmination of a four-year probe into one of Europe's most pervasive crime syndicates.

Law enforcement officials detailed that Sister Donelli exploited her volunteer work within penitentiary facilities to maintain covert contact with imprisoned gang leaders—a role that provided her with unique access, according to the Brescia Carabinieri. Specific names of the arrested politicians and other parties involved have yet to be disclosed as the investigation remains ongoing.

The operation, supported by hundreds of officers and specialized units, extended its reach throughout northern Italy, with sniffer dogs deployed to locate weapons, drugs, and cash. Prosecutors have alleged that the group used scrap metal enterprises to launder around €12 million, highlighting the intricate methods employed by the 'Ndrangheta to disguise their illicit dealings.

Originating from the economically challenged Calabria region, the 'Ndrangheta is recognized as one of the most lethal criminal organizations globally. The depth of its influence was recently evidenced in a significant legal case wherein over 200 adjudicated members received collectively more than 2,200 years in prison, marking a monumental stride in Italy's ongoing battle against organized crime.