Italian Police Crack Down on ‘Ndrangheta Mafia, Arresting Nun and Local Politicians

Italian police arrested a nun known for her prison work, Sister Anna Donelli, along with 24 other individuals on Thursday as part of an investigation into the ‘Ndrangheta mafia in the northern city of Brescia, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

Sister Donelli, 57, a volunteer at Milan’s San Vittore prison, is suspected of mafia collusion and acting as a go-between for the criminal organization and its incarcerated members. She is also recognized for her service in Milan’s impoverished districts and was awarded the “Golden Panettone,” an annual civic honor in Milan, in February.

A police press release indicated that two local politicians were among those arrested, and approximately 1.8 million euros ($1.89 million) was seized during the operation. The statement did not disclose the names of those targeted in the raid.

The suspects face various charges, including mafia association, vote buying, illegal possession of weapons, money laundering, loan-sharking, drug dealing, and false invoicing. The alleged gang is linked to the issuance of 12 million euros worth of invoices for fictitious transactions, allowing complicit entrepreneurs to reduce their taxable income in exchange for commissions paid to mobsters.

Originating from the impoverished southern region of Calabria, the ‘Ndrangheta has evolved into Italy’s most powerful mafia organization, expanding its influence across Europe and globally, particularly in white-collar crime.