300 'Ndrangheta suspects arrested
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least 300 people were arrested across Italy in dawn raids against the powerful Calabrian Mafia.
One of the biggest crackdowns on organised crime in years, which included arrests in the US, followed a lengthy investigation into the 'Ndrangheta organisation, which specialises in crimes linked to business and the financial sector.
The man believed to be the top 'Ndrangheta boss, Domenico Oppedisano, was picked up in the small Calabrian coastal town of Rosarno. The largest raid took place in the northern region of Lombardy, where 160 people were arrested. They included Pino Neri, whom police said was in charge of the gang's businesses in Milan. Also arrested was the director of state medical services in the city of Pavia.
Investigators described the operation as one of the biggest blows ever to a crime organisation that is now considered to be more powerful than the Cosa Nostra in Sicily. The 'Ndrangheta has expanded out of its heartland in the poor southern region of Calabria to play a major role in organised crime throughout Europe and in the international drugs trade from South America.
The raids involved 3,000 police and the charges against those arrested ranged from murder and extortion to drug trafficking and criminal association. The Interior Minister, Roberto Maroni, said the sweep struck at the heart of the 'Ndrangheta and its finances.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments