Italian police made a significant arrest on Thursday, taking into custody a nun known for her work in Milan’s San Vittore prison and 24 others in connection with the ‘Ndrangheta Mafia in the northern city of Brescia. Sister Anna Donelli, a 57-year-old volunteer, is suspected of Mafia collusion and serving as a mediator between the criminal organization and its incarcerated members. Despite her charitable work in Milan’s impoverished neighborhoods, Sister Anna is now at the center of a major investigation.
In addition to Sister Anna, two local politicians were also arrested in the operation, during which $1.89 million was seized by authorities. The suspects face a range of charges, including Mafia association, vote-buying, illegal possession of weapons, money laundering, loan-sharking, drug trafficking, and false invoicing. The alleged criminal group was involved in issuing fake invoices totaling 12 million euros to help individuals evade taxes and reduce their reported income in exchange for kickbacks to the Mafia.
The ‘Ndrangheta Mafia, originally from the impoverished region of Calabria in southern Italy, has grown into the country’s most powerful criminal organization. It has expanded its reach across Europe and beyond, engaging in various illegal activities, including white-collar crime. The arrest of Sister Anna and the others involved sheds light on the pervasive influence of the ‘Ndrangheta and the complex web of criminal activities it conducts.
The police operation in Brescia highlights the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in Italy and dismantle the intricate networks that support these illegal activities. The arrest of individuals like Sister Anna, who was once celebrated for her community service, serves as a stark reminder of how criminal organizations can infiltrate even the most unexpected places. As the investigation continues, authorities are determined to bring those involved in the ‘Ndrangheta Mafia to justice and disrupt their operations both in Italy and abroad.
