Italy Concludes Largest Trial in History Against 'Ndrangheta Mafia: Sentences of 4,700 Years Imposed
Today in Italy, the most extensive trial in history related to the influential 'Ndrangheta mafia, accused of illegal cocaine trafficking in Europe, has concluded. Two godfathers of the mafia received 30 years imprisonment each, while a former deputy from Silvio Berlusconi's 'Forza Italia' party was sentenced to 11 years, as reported by Il Giornale.
Former police officers and an ex-regional council deputy were also convicted. In total, over 200 individuals were sentenced. Out of the 338 defendants who faced trial in the first instance in Lamezia Terme, 207 were found guilty and sentenced, while 131 were acquitted.
Over 300 members of mafia organizations and their accomplices were interrogated since the beginning of 2021 as part of this extensive case surrounding the 'Ndrangheta mafia.
The court, chaired by Judge Brigida Cazzaro, in many instances adopted sentences recommended by the prosecution, resulting in a cumulative total of over 4,700 years of imprisonment.
The trial lasted for hours. Charges included murder, membership in a criminal organization, drug trafficking, money laundering, and bribery of public officials.
Operation Rinascita Scott, initiated on December 19, 2019, led to the arrest of 334 individuals through the initiative of prosecutor Nicola Gratteri from Catanzaro, who currently heads the Naples prosecutor's office. He uncovered the criminal network, comprising members of organized crime, as well as entrepreneurs, former national politicians, mayors, carabinieri, intelligence services, and professionals.
They face over 400 charges, including external participation in a mafia association, extortion, usury, money laundering, illegal possession of weapons and explosives, receiving stolen goods, trading illegal influence, fraudulent transfer of valuables, disclosure and use of official secrets, abuse of official position under aggravating circumstances, and illegal drug trafficking.
On June 7 of the previous year, the prosecution demanded 322 guilty verdicts - for a total of 4,744 years and 10 months of imprisonment, 13 acquittals, and 3 dismissals of the trial decision.
The legal process spanned two years and 10 months, with at least three hearings each day. After 35 days of deliberation, the trial judge read out the verdict in the specially constructed courtroom bunker.