Italian police strike at heart of 'Ndrangheta mafia ring
The Italian police have carried out a large-scale operation against the Calabrian mafia, arresting 97 individuals. The 'Ndrangheta, Italy's most powerful mafia organisation, operates on a global scale.
Key information
- The Italian police arrested 97 people in an operation against the 'Ndrangheta.
- Arrests took place in several cities, including Rome and Milan.
- The mafiosi are accused of drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping.
The Italian police executed operation "Millennium" on Wednesday, targeting the Calabrian mafia. The 'Ndrangheta is regarded as the most dangerous mafia organisation in Italy, with activities spanning the globe. 97 individuals were apprehended, marking a significant blow to this criminal group.
The operation centred on Reggio Calabria, but arrests were also made in other cities such as Rome, Milan, Monza, Pavia, Bologna, Verona, Rimini, Turin, and Sicily. As a result of the police actions, several mafia clans were dismantled, and companies linked to the food industry and construction were seized.
Those arrested face charges of mafia membership, international drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping. Among the suspects are also two former Calabria councillors, illustrating the deep entrenchment of the 'Ndrangheta in local power structures.
'Ndrangheta's global reach
The 'Ndrangheta's main source of income is global smuggling and drug trafficking. This organisation is renowned for the extensive reach of its operations, making it one of the most potent criminal syndicates worldwide.
Operation "Millennium" demonstrates the resolve of Italian authorities in combating organised crime. Arrests and asset seizures are crucial steps in weakening the influence of the 'Ndrangheta, although the fight against the mafia remains an ongoing challenge.
