Italian police have arrested Sister Anna Donelli, a 57-year-old nun celebrated for her prison volunteer work, along with 24 others, in a sweeping operation against the infamous ‘Ndrangheta mafia in Brescia.
Sister Donelli, known for her service in Milan’s disadvantaged areas and her efforts at San Vittore prison, is accused of mafia collusion. Authorities allege she acted as a liaison between the ‘Ndrangheta and its incarcerated members.
Sister Anna Donelli had earned public recognition for her community contributions, including receiving the prestigious “Golden Panettone” civic award in February. Despite her accolades, investigators believe she facilitated communication and operations for the mafia. Attempts to contact her legal representation were unsuccessful.
The large-scale raid, conducted in Brescia, also led to the arrest of two local politicians. Authorities seized nearly $1.89 million during the operation.
The arrested individuals face numerous charges, including Mafia association, Vote buying, Illegal possession of weapons, Money laundering, Loan-sharking, Drug trafficking, and False invoicing.
One key aspect of the investigation revealed that the group orchestrated the issuance of €12 million in fraudulent invoices. This scheme allowed complicit businesses to evade taxes in exchange for paying commissions to the mafia.
The ‘Ndrangheta, originating in Calabria in southern Italy, has grown to become the country’s most powerful mafia network. Its influence extends far beyond traditional organized crime, infiltrating white-collar industries across Europe and beyond.
nypost.com
