Italian Nun arrested for allegedly assisting mafia

Italian authorities arrested 57-year-old Sister Anna Donelli, a nun accused of colluding with the powerful 'Ndrangheta mafia.

Italian authorities have arrested 57-year-old Sister Anna Donelli, a nun known for her prison work and community service, as part of a significant operation targeting the powerful ‘Ndrangheta mafia. The arrest, alongside 24 others, took place in Brescia.

Donelli, who volunteered in Milan’s San Vittore prison, is accused of acting as a liaison between imprisoned mafia members and the outside network. Her alleged involvement shocked many, especially as she had recently received a civic award for her contributions to Milan's underserved areas.

It uncovered an array of crimes attributed to the mafia group, including vote buying, money laundering, drug trafficking, and issuing fraudulent invoices. Assets valued at €1.8 million, including properties and financial holdings, were seized during the operation.

The ‘Ndrangheta, originally from Calabria, has evolved into Italy’s most dominant mafia organization, with global influence extending into white-collar crimes and politics. Two local politicians were also detained during the raid, adding to the growing public outrage over the group’s infiltration into civic institutions.

Sister Donelli’s role is particularly controversial due to her position as a spiritual advisor to inmates and her access to critical prison communications. Prosecutors allege she transmitted messages that enabled the mafia to sustain operations even while key members were behind bars.

Donelli, now under house arrest, has yet to comment on the charges, and her lawyer remains unavailable for public statements.

This investigation highlights the enduring challenge posed by the ‘Ndrangheta’s influence in Italy and beyond. As legal proceedings continue, the case underscores the complexity of dismantling one of the world's most resilient criminal networks.

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