Ndrangheta's Influence and Verdict in the Maxi-Trial
The court in Calabria, Italy, has delivered its verdict following the trial of over 300 members and associates of the notorious Ndrangheta, a mafia group known for its global reach. The trial, which lasted for nearly three years, exposed the group's deep-rooted connections within society.
The Attorney General, Nicola Gratteri, demanded a 4,700-year prison sentence against these individuals, emphasizing the Ndrangheta's power, primarily built on relationships and networks. Gratteri, a renowned figure in the fight against the mafia, played a significant role in leading the "Rinascita Scott" operation, which resulted in 334 arrests in late 2019, including in Germany and Switzerland.
The final sentencing saw several hundred years of imprisonment for the defendants, with the two highest sentences handed to two 'Ndrangheta bosses and a former member of the ruling Forza Italia party, Giancarlo Pittelli, sentenced to eleven years for serving the mafia. Corrupt officials, ex-police officers, and others also received prison sentences, largely reflecting the Attorney General's plea.
The 'Ndrangheta, with roots in Calabria, has become one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world. Its strategy, consisting of intricate networks and relationships, has allowed it to establish branches in over 40 countries. This is evidenced by the arrests of clan members in 2019, which included lawyers, politicians, police officers, and more - most of whom were innocent citizens before their arrest.
The trial attracted significant anticipation, not only due to its historical size but also because members of the 'Ndrangheta were preparing to testify against the organization for the first time. The verdict, while not comparable to the Maxi-Processo di Palermo in 1986, marked a significant blow to the Calabrian mafia.
However, Anna Sergi, a Criminology Professor at Essex University, emphasizes that the current trial against the 'Ndrangheta is different from the Maxi-Processo in Palermo. The 'Ndrangheta's criminal nature was known even before the trial, with the "Infinito" trial in 2011 adding further evidence of its presence in northern Italy.
The Calabrian mafia now faces growing resistance in Calabria, with the arrests in 2019 marking a turning point. Many residents of Vibo Valentia took to the streets to express their resistance to the 'Ndrangheta.
- The Ndrangheta, an Italian mafia group with global presence, has infiltrated various countries and illegal activities, causing significant problems for law enforcement.
- Recent verdicts and operations against the Ndrangheta, including the maximum sentence of 4,700 years, reflect society's growing resistance against this criminal organization.
- The 'Infinito' trial in 2011 showed evidence of the Ndrangheta's presence in northern Italy, challenging the previous notion that the mafia only affected southern Italy.
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- The 'Ndrangheta's influence and activities have continued to evolve in recent years, with major arrests and operations taking place in Europe and beyond. In May 2023, a large-scale police crackdown saw the arrest of 108 individuals in Italy and 30 in Germany, part of a coordinated probe involving investigators from several countries.
- In November 2023, the largest mafia trial for three decades resulted in over 200 convictions. Despite over 100 individuals being acquitted, this trial represented a significant blow to the 'Ndrangheta's activities in Europe.
- The 'Ndrangheta's global reach extends to more than 40 countries, including some in Europe (such as Germany and Portugal) and others in regions like South America (Brazil). They are involved in various activities, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, and extortion.
- The organization has been increasingly using sophisticated methods to protect their financial transactions, such as crypto phones and encrypted communication services like EncroChat and Sky ECC. These tools allow them to skirt law enforcement efforts and maintain their illegal operations.
- Despite facing legal challenges and setbacks, the 'Ndrangheta's influence extends beyond organized crime, with connections to local and national politics in Italy. They have also been active in the legal economy in various countries, making it difficult for law enforcement to track their activities and assets.
- The 'Ndrangheta's control over a significant portion of the global cocaine market has had profound implications for drug markets and law enforcement efforts worldwide.
These enrichment data points provide additional context and insights into the ongoing struggle against the 'Ndrangheta, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in combating this powerful international criminal organization.
