In a groundbreaking legal battle, Italian courts have handed down convictions to over 200 members of the notorious ‘Ndrangheta mafia in one of the largest trials in decades. This organization, rooted in Calabria, has long been a dominant force in global organized crime, specializing in drug trafficking, money laundering, and extortion.
Two prominent leaders received 30-year prison sentences, the heaviest penalties issued in this case. The trial saw 338 defendants face charges ranging from murder to racketeering. Beyond traditional mafia figures, the accused included businesspeople, politicians, and a former police chief, reflecting the far-reaching influence of the ‘Ndrangheta.
The investigation revealed a sophisticated network of businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and funeral homes, used for laundering illicit funds. The outcome is a significant milestone in Italy’s ongoing efforts to dismantle mafia strongholds and highlights the state’s commitment to combating organized crime.
