In a landmark trial in Italy, more than 200 members of the ‘Ndrangheta mafia have been sentenced to a total of 2,200 years in prison. This trial marks one of the largest mafia trials in the country in three decades, and it has sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld.
The Trial:
The trial, known as the Rinascita Scott trial, took place in the southern Calabria region of Italy, where the ‘Ndrangheta mafia group had quietly amassed power. The syndicate is considered one of the most powerful crime organizations globally, with a near monopoly on cocaine importation in Europe. The trial lasted for three years and concluded with the sentencing of over 200 defendants.
Charges and Verdicts:
The defendants faced a range of charges, including drug and arms trafficking, extortion, mafia association, and acting in complicity with the ‘Ndrangheta without being a member. The charges stemmed from an investigation into 12 clans linked to a convicted ‘Ndrangheta boss, Luigi Mancuso. The verdicts handed down by the judges resulted in a total of 2,200 years in prison for the convicted mobsters.
The Significance:
The ‘Ndrangheta mafia is known for its deep-rooted presence in Calabria and its extensive criminal activities worldwide. The trial aimed to expose the collusion between mobsters, local politicians, public officials, businessmen, and members of secret lodges, highlighting the syndicate’s pervasive influence in the region. The trial also revealed the mafia’s use of illicit profits from cocaine to purchase legitimate businesses across Italy and Europe.
Security Measures:
To ensure the safety of the judges and participants, the trial took place in a specially constructed high-security bunker in Lamezia Terme. The bunker, located in an industrial park, was equipped with cages to hold the defendants and could accommodate hundreds of lawyers and witnesses. The judges, who retired in October to consider the verdicts, lived in a safe house under police protection during this time.