"Nun Arrested in Major Mafia Investigation in Italy"

The arrest of Sister Anna Donelli and other associates marks a major turning point in the fight against the 'Ndrangheta mafia, known for its extensive criminal networks. Over €1.8m in assets were seized during the operation as authorities continue to unravel this criminal organization.

In a shocking development, Italian authorities have arrested a nun, Sister Anna Donelli, as part of a sweeping investigation into the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia, resulting in the detention of 24 individuals. The nun is accused of facilitating communication between imprisoned gang members and the outside world. This latest operation signifies a major step in tackling one of Europe's most dangerous criminal networks.

Conducted by a coalition of law enforcement agencies, the raids spanned northern Italy, particularly in the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Calabria. Agents seized assets valued at over €1.8 million and detained two politicians within the operation. The investigation, which has been ongoing for four years, uncovers the complexities of the mafia's operations, where Sister Donelli allegedly utilized her religious status as a volunteer at a penitentiary to maintain easy access to prisoners engaged in organized crime.

Brescia Carabinieri noted that her role and perceived innocence helped her operate undetected at the correctional facility. The ongoing operation employs hundreds of officers and utilizes specially trained sniffer dogs to uncover hidden caches of weapons, drugs, and cash.

Investigators found that the mafia group was predominantly laundering money through scrap metal businesses, which acted as a cover for their illegal activities, totaling nearly €12 million. Founded in Calabria, the 'Ndrangheta is now recognized as one of the most formidable criminal organizations globally. Earlier, a landmark trial in November sentenced over 200 individuals to lengthy prison terms, underlining the government's resolve to dismantle such powerful entities.