Italian Nun Arrested for Suspected Mafia Connections in Powerful Underworld
Italian Nun Arrested in Mafia Investigation
Source: Daily Star
Overview of the Arrest
A 57-year-old nun, identified as Sister Anna Donelli, was arrested along with 23 other individuals as part of a major mafia raid in northern Italy. The arrests were linked to an extortion and drug trafficking operation associated with the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia group.
Role in the Mafia
- Sister Donelli is accused of acting as a go-between for imprisoned mafia members and their associates on the outside.
- She volunteered at Milan's San Vittore prison, where it is claimed she facilitated communication between jailed gang members and those on the outside.
Background of the Investigation
This operation marks the culmination of a four-year investigation targeting the 'Ndrangheta, regarded as one of Europe’s most dangerous mafia organizations, based in Brescia.
- Authorities seized over €1.8 million worth of assets across Lombardy, Veneto, and Calabria regions.
- The investigation revealed crimes such as mafia association, drug dealing, money laundering, and vote buying.
Public Recognition
Despite her arrest, Sister Donelli had previously received the prestigious Golden Panettone award for her charitable work in Milan’s underprivileged areas.
Implications of the Arrest
The nun's arrest highlights a concerning intersection of organized crime and religious institutions, raising questions about the integrity and roles played by such figures in society. The operation also implicates political figures, with reports of arrests involving politicians from Italy's right-wing parties.
