Italy arrests nun in anti-organized crime operation

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) – Italian authorities on Friday detained 25 individuals, including a nun, in a major operation targeting the notorious "Ndrangheta" crime syndicate, considered one of Europe’s most dangerous organized crime groups.

The Brescia Public Prosecutor’s Office carried out the arrests as part of an ongoing investigation, local media reported.

Those detained include Giovanni Acri, a former municipal councilor from the ruling Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, Mauro Galeazzi, a former councilor from the League Party, and Sister Anna Donelli.

All three were placed under house arrest pending further investigation.

The arrest of Sister Donelli, a 57-year-old nun, was also among the arrests, accused of exploiting her role in providing spiritual support to imprisoned mafia members to relay messages for the crime syndicate.

Rainews24 reported that some detainees referred to Donelli as “one of us,” highlighting her alleged ties to the organization.

The investigation, which began in 2021, has uncovered allegations of extortion, arms and drug trafficking, usury, tax evasion, and money laundering involving the suspects.