An anti-mafia operation in northern Italy
Yesterday morning, the Italian State Police, Finance Police, and Carabinieri launched a major operation against organized crime linked to the ‘ndrangheta. Precautionary measures were carried out against 33 suspects, residing in regions across Italy and Spain, and assets worth over €1.8 million were seized.
The suspects face charges including illegal possession of weapons, money laundering, usury, receiving stolen goods, drug trafficking, and extortion, all aggravated by mafia methods.
A deeply rooted and federated criminal network
The investigation, initiated in September 2020 under the coordination of the Brescia Anti-Mafia Directorate, uncovered the activities of an ‘ndrangheta group originally from Sant’Eufemia d’Aspromonte, Calabria. This group had established a local cell in Brescia and maintained ties with the Alvaro clan, dominant in the Aspromonte area. Their operations ranged from intimidation and extortion to drug and arms trafficking.
Collaboration with other ‘ndrangheta factions in northern Italy was also uncovered, strengthening the network’s grip on the region.
Political collusion and institutional infiltration
The investigation exposed connections between the mafia group and a prominent local figure in Brescia. These ties revolved around a corrupt electoral pact, with the mafia offering electoral support in exchange for illicit financial benefits.
Additionally, the organization infiltrated prison structures, using unsuspected intermediaries, including a religious figure, to convey messages between imprisoned and free members.
Fraud and economic crimes
The criminal group also engaged in sophisticated financial crimes. By operating shell companies in the scrap trade, they issued fake invoices totaling €12 million, facilitating money laundering and tax evasion for complicit entrepreneurs.
A coordinated response by law enforcement
The operation involved over 300 officers, supported by advanced technology, canine units specialized in detecting drugs, weapons, and cash, and elite police units. Searches are ongoing in provinces like Bergamo, Verona, and Treviso.
Presumption of innocence
All measures were based on preliminary evidence, but the presumption of innocence applies to all suspects until final judgments are rendered.
