Nun Arrested in Italy for Mafia Connections in Major Police Operation

Italian police have announced the arrest of 24 individuals, including a nun, in a sweeping crackdown on the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia. The identified nun, Sister Anna Donelli, is accused of acting as a liaison between jailed mafia members and their associates. The police operation, which spanned across Lombardy, Veneto, and Calabria, involved the seizure of over €1.8 million in assets and targeted two politicians among others. The four-year investigation revealed that the gang operated a scrap metal trade to launder approximately €12 million in illicit funds. Authorities are continuing their efforts with hundreds of police officers involved and sniffer dogs deployed to detect weapons, drugs, and cash.

The investigation also underscores the challenging issues Italy faces regarding mafia infiltration within various societal sectors, including religious institutions.

The 'Ndrangheta, based in Calabria, has gained notoriety as one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Europe, recently highlighted by a mass sentencing where over 200 individuals received lengthy prison terms. The ongoing investigation reflects the determination of law enforcement to dismantle the mafia's deep-rooted operations in Italian society.

The continuing operation marks a significant intensified effort by authorities to combat organized crime.