In Italy, a major mafia network has been targeted in a police operation that led to the arrest of more than 20 people, reports HotNews.
The group, known as the 'Ndrangheta, is one of the largest and richest mafia organizations in the world.
The raids took place in several regions, including Lombardy, Veneto, and Calabria. The arrested individuals include a nun, a former politician from the League party, and a former councillor from the Brothers of Italy party.
Among the suspects, Anna Donelli, a 57-year-old nun, is accused of having ties to the mafia. She is said to have used her position as a volunteer at Milan’s prison to pass information to criminals.
She has been working in prisons since 2010 and had access to inmates, which helped her connect with members of the mafia.
Donelli is accused of being involved in mafia activities outside of the prison, such as blackmail and money laundering.
In addition to Donelli, the police also arrested a former politician from the League party, who is accused of vote buying, and other individuals suspected of being involved in arms and drug trafficking, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods.
The suspects are also said to have been involved in usury. The operation, which seized more than 1.8 million euros in illegally obtained money, reveals the extent of the 'Ndrangheta’s reach.
The group, originally from Calabria, has expanded its influence across Europe and is involved in cocaine trafficking.
Earlier this year, authorities arrested over 130 people across six European countries in a crackdown on the organization.
The investigation into the 'Ndrangheta’s activities in northern Italy suggests the mafia has adapted its operations to target different criminal activities, including tax fraud.
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the group’s criminal empire and its connections within Italy’s political landscape.
