<p>In what is being hailed as Italy's biggest&nbsp;mafia trial in three decades, an Italian court has delivered convictions and sentences to over 200 people, marking a significant blow against the notorious 'Ndrangheta.</p>

<p>This "maxi trial" concluded after three years in a high-security courtroom in Calabria, specially designed to accommodate the extensive network associated with the powerful organized crime syndicate.</p>

<h2><strong>But first, who form the&nbsp;'Ndrangheta?</strong></h2>

<p>Situated in the southern region of Calabria, the 'Ndrangheta' has established a virtual monopoly on the European cocaine trade, extending its influence globally.</p>

<p>Originating in the impoverished rural area of Calabria, at the southern tip of Italy, its roots date back to at least the country's unification in 1861.</p>

<p>The name 'Ndrangheta, derived from Greek, conveys the notion of valour, and its top members undergo formal initiation ceremonies. Initially regarded as primarily a rural phenomenon, it gained public prominence in the 1980s and 1990s through a series of kidnappings across Italy.</p>

<p>While often overshadowed by the more visible Costa Nostra, 'Ndrangheta affiliates gained notoriety for the kidnapping of the grandson of the US-born oil tycoon John Paul Getty in 1973, a crime that involved the severing of the victim's ear to facilitate a ransom.</p>

<p>Notably, it wasn't until 2010 that Italy officially classified the 'Ndrangheta as a mafia group&nbsp;under the law.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-bans-lab-grown-frankenstein-meat-citing-health-concerns-and-need-to-safeguard-livestock-industry-659640">Also read |&nbsp;Italy bans lab-grown 'frankenstein' meat citing health concerns and need to safeguard livestock industry</a></p>

<h2><strong>The&nbsp;scale of the 'maxi trial'</strong></h2>

<p>The verdicts bring to a close a trial that has been unprecedented in scale. Held in Lamezia Terme, the courtroom was built to host up to 350 defendants, 400 lawyers, and hear from 900 witnesses.</p>

<p>More than 100 people&nbsp;were acquitted, but the sheer number of convictions makes this a landmark legal victory against a gang&nbsp;&nbsp;that has long held a near-monopoly on the European cocaine trade.</p>

<h2><strong>Origins of the trial: A comprehensive analysis</strong></h2>

<p>The roots of this maxi trial trace back to a comprehensive investigation launched in 2016, covering at least 11 Italian regions.</p>

<p>The culmination of this effort occurred in December 2019 when over 2,500 officers conducted raids focused on suspects in Vibo Valentia, Calabria—the heart of the 'Ndrangheta's Mancuso clan.</p>

<h2><strong>Arrests beyond Italian borders</strong></h2>

<p>This operation went beyond Italy's borders, leading to arrests in Germany, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. Even a former Forza Italia MP, Giancarlo Pittelli, faced an 11-year jail term for aiding a mafia clan.</p>

<p>At the forefront of this legal battle is Nicola Gratteri, an anti-mafia prosecutor who led the investigation. His team's work involved collecting 24,000 wiretaps and intercepted conversations, forming the backbone of the charges brought against the defendants.</p>

<h2><strong>'Ndrangheta's tactics</strong></h2>

<p>The trial provided a chilling glimpse into the ruthless tactics employed by the 'Ndrangheta. Evidence presented showed a pattern of violent attacks, extortion, corruption in public contracts, weapon stockpiling, manipulation of elections, and bribery.</p>

<p>The 'Ndrangheta's stranglehold on local communities became painfully evident, revealing the extent to which the organisation had embedded itself in various aspects of society.</p>

<p>A notable departure from traditional mafia trials was the inclusion of non-mafia people among the defendants. This marked a significant shift in strategy, targeting not just the foot soldiers of the criminal organisation but also high-ranking police officials, mayors, public servants, and businesspeople.</p>

<p>The trial aimed to expose the network of collaborators enabling the 'Ndrangheta's criminal activities.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 'Ndrangheta, faces a significant blow as over 200 people receive convictions and sentences in the country's largest mafia trial in three decades. This maxi trial concluded after three years in a high-security courtroom in Calabria, targeting the 'Ndrangheta's extensive network. Originating in Calabria, the 'Ndrangheta holds a virtual monopoly on the European cocaine trade and gained global influence. The trial, unprecedented in scale, involved comprehensive investigations across 11 Italian regions and revealed the mafia's ruthless tactics, including violent attacks, corruption, election manipulation, and deep entrenchment in local communities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the aftermath of the sentencing, most of the convicted individuals announced their intention to appeal.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Embedded in local life</strong></h2>

<p>The criminal group, known by colorful nicknames like "The Wolf" and "Sweetie," has deeply entrenched itself in the local economy of Vibo Valentia.</p>

<p>Witnesses revealed the 'Ndrangheta's control, striking fear into the hearts of business owners and farmers while enjoying protection from white-collar professionals and politicians.</p>

<p>The trial brought to light harrowing details of weapons hidden in cemetery chapels, drugs transported in ambulances, and the diversion of municipal water supplies for illegal activities.</p>

<p>The 'Ndrangheta, once derided by other Italian mafias, has emerged as the most powerful criminal group in Italy and one of the wealthiest globally.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;War crimes of Russia-Ukraine war: Who's responsible?</strong></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/war-crimes-of-russia-ukraine-war-whos-responsible-dark-world-600386/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Studies estimate its financial prowess to surpass that of Deutsche Bank and McDonald's combined, with an annual turnover of $53 billion. The organisation's success lies in its deep roots in Calabria, where bosses rarely abandon their remote villages, maintaining control over global operations worth millions.</p>

<p>Italy's maxi trial against the 'Ndrangheta marks a defining moment in the ongoing fight against organised crime.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In what is being hailed as Italy's biggest mafia trial in three decades, an Italian court has delivered convictions and sentences to over 200 people, marking a significant blow against the notorious 'Ndrangheta.

In what is being hailed as Italy's biggest mafia trial in three decades, an Italian court has delivered convictions and sentences to over 200 people, marking a significant blow against the notorious 'Ndrangheta. This "maxi trial" concluded after three years in a high-security courtroom in Calabria, specially designed to accommodate the extensive network associated with the powerful organized crime syndicate. But first, who form the 'Ndrangheta? Situated in the southern region of Calabria, the 'Ndrangheta' has established a virtual monopoly on the European cocaine trade, extending its influence globally. Originating in the impoverished rural area of Calabria, at the southern tip of Italy, its roots date back to at least the country's unification in 1861. The name 'Ndrangheta, derived from Greek, conveys the notion of valour, and its top members undergo formal initiation ceremonies. Initially regarded as primarily a rural phenomenon, it gained public prominence in the 1980s and 1990s through a series of kidnappings across Italy. While often overshadowed by the more visible Costa Nostra, 'Ndrangheta affiliates gained notoriety for the kidnapping of the grandson of the US-born oil tycoon John Paul Getty in 1973, a crime that involved the severing of the victim's ear to facilitate a ransom. Notably, it wasn't until 2010 that Italy officially classified the 'Ndrangheta as a mafia group under the law. Also read | Italy bans lab-grown 'frankenstein' meat citing health concerns and need to safeguard livestock industry The scale of the 'maxi trial' The verdicts bring to a close a trial that has been unprecedented in scale. Held in Lamezia Terme, the courtroom was built to host up to 350 defendants, 400 lawyers, and hear from 900 witnesses. More than 100 people were acquitted, but the sheer number of convictions makes this a landmark legal victory against a gang that has long held a near-monopoly on the European cocaine trade. Origins of the trial: A comprehensive analysis The roots of this maxi trial trace back to a comprehensive investigation launched in 2016, covering at least 11 Italian regions. The culmination of this effort occurred in December 2019 when over 2,500 officers conducted raids focused on suspects in Vibo Valentia, Calabria—the heart of the 'Ndrangheta's Mancuso clan. Arrests beyond Italian borders This operation went beyond Italy's borders, leading to arrests in Germany, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. Even a former Forza Italia MP, Giancarlo Pittelli, faced an 11-year jail term for aiding a mafia clan. At the forefront of this legal battle is Nicola Gratteri, an anti-mafia prosecutor who led the investigation. His team's work involved collecting 24,000 wiretaps and intercepted conversations, forming the backbone of the charges brought against the defendants. 'Ndrangheta's tactics The trial provided a chilling glimpse into the ruthless tactics employed by the 'Ndrangheta. Evidence presented showed a pattern of violent attacks, extortion, corruption in public contracts, weapon stockpiling, manipulation of elections, and bribery. The 'Ndrangheta's stranglehold on local communities became painfully evident, revealing the extent to which the organisation had embedded itself in various aspects of society. A notable departure from traditional mafia trials was the inclusion of non-mafia people among the defendants. This marked a significant shift in strategy, targeting not just the foot soldiers of the criminal organisation but also high-ranking police officials, mayors, public servants, and businesspeople. The trial aimed to expose the network of collaborators enabling the 'Ndrangheta's criminal activities. The 'Ndrangheta, faces a significant blow as over 200 people receive convictions and sentences in the country's largest mafia trial in three decades. This maxi trial concluded after three years in a high-security courtroom in Calabria, targeting the 'Ndrangheta's extensive network. Originating in Calabria, the 'Ndrangheta holds a virtual monopoly on the European cocaine trade and gained global influence. The trial, unprecedented in scale, involved comprehensive investigations across 11 Italian regions and revealed the mafia's ruthless tactics, including violent attacks, corruption, election manipulation, and deep entrenchment in local communities. In the aftermath of the sentencing, most of the convicted individuals announced their intention to appeal. Embedded in local life The criminal group, known by colorful nicknames like "The Wolf" and "Sweetie," has deeply entrenched itself in the local economy of Vibo Valentia. Witnesses revealed the 'Ndrangheta's control, striking fear into the hearts of business owners and farmers while enjoying protection from white-collar professionals and politicians. The trial brought to light harrowing details of weapons hidden in cemetery chapels, drugs transported in ambulances, and the diversion of municipal water supplies for illegal activities. The 'Ndrangheta, once derided by other Italian mafias, has emerged as the most powerful criminal group in Italy and one of the wealthiest globally. Also watch | War crimes of Russia-Ukraine war: Who's responsible? Studies estimate its financial prowess to surpass that of Deutsche Bank and McDonald's combined, with an annual turnover of $53 billion. The organisation's success lies in its deep roots in Calabria, where bosses rarely abandon their remote villages, maintaining control over global operations worth millions. Italy's maxi trial against the 'Ndrangheta marks a defining moment in the ongoing fight against organised crime. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Who are the 'Ndrangheta? Ultrawealthy Italian drug mafia to get 2,200 years in jail

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidK1hgSmt52fvt" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>More than 200 mobsters and their white-collar helpers were convicted by an Italian court on Monday (Nov 20) after nearly a three-year-long trial against the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the president of the court in southern Vibo Valentia, Brigida Cavasino, steadily read out the names of the guilty and their sentences, which ranged from 30 years to a few months.</p>

<p>The report said that prosecutors asked for sentences totalling nearly 5,000 years for 322 accused mafia members operating in the Calabrian province of Vibo Valentia and their white-collar collaborators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, after the trial, the court doled out just about half that total time, with convictions of 207 defendants including four seasoned members of the 'Ndrangheta each sentenced to 30 years in jail. The panel acquitted 131 defendants, including 16 for whom prosecutors had recommended acquittal.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The largest mafia trial in decades</strong></h2>

<p>This is the largest mafia trial in Italy in decades and marks the most significant blow to one of the world's most powerful organised crime syndicates. Since the trial started in January 2021, the court heard thousands of hours of testimony, including from more than 50 former mafia operatives turned state witnesses, detailing countless examples of the 'Ndrangheta's brutality and its control over the territory.</p>

<p>The accusations against the mafia group included carrying out violent ambushes, shaking down business owners, rigging public tenders, stockpiling weapons, collecting votes, or passing kickbacks to the powerful.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Luigi Mancuso, the territory's undisputed boss, was cut from the defendants' list last year and will be tried separately.</p>

<h2><strong>Concerns over low turnout at court</strong></h2>

<p>The court also handed a 10-year prison sentence to a high-ranking member of the financial police working within Italy's anti-mafia department. AFP reported that the official was guilty of passing along details from judicial investigations to the 'Ndrangheta.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Monday's trial was attended by hundreds of lawyers and journalists. Also present at the court was local businessman Rocco Mangiardi who was one of the first people to denounce the 'Ndrangheta for extortion before a judge in 2009.</p>

<p>Mangiardi, who has lived under police escort ever since expressed concerns about the low turnout and told AFP that the courtroom should have been full of citizens.</p>

<p>"To show the judges that we're on their side and then to tell the mafiosi with their presence 'We don't want you," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


More than 200 mobsters and their white-collar helpers were convicted by an Italian court on Monday (Nov 20) after nearly a three-year-long trial against the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia.

More than 200 mobsters and their white-collar helpers were convicted by an Italian court on Monday (Nov 20) after nearly a three-year-long trial against the notorious 'Ndrangheta mafia. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the president of the court in southern Vibo Valentia, Brigida Cavasino, steadily read out the names of the guilty and their sentences, which ranged from 30 years to a few months. The report said that prosecutors asked for sentences totalling nearly 5,000 years for 322 accused mafia members operating in the Calabrian province of Vibo Valentia and their white-collar collaborators. However, after the trial, the court doled out just about half that total time, with convictions of 207 defendants including four seasoned members of the 'Ndrangheta each sentenced to 30 years in jail. The panel acquitted 131 defendants, including 16 for whom prosecutors had recommended acquittal. The largest mafia trial in decades This is the largest mafia trial in Italy in decades and marks the most significant blow to one of the world's most powerful organised crime syndicates. Since the trial started in January 2021, the court heard thousands of hours of testimony, including from more than 50 former mafia operatives turned state witnesses, detailing countless examples of the 'Ndrangheta's brutality and its control over the territory. The accusations against the mafia group included carrying out violent ambushes, shaking down business owners, rigging public tenders, stockpiling weapons, collecting votes, or passing kickbacks to the powerful. However, Luigi Mancuso, the territory's undisputed boss, was cut from the defendants' list last year and will be tried separately. Concerns over low turnout at court The court also handed a 10-year prison sentence to a high-ranking member of the financial police working within Italy's anti-mafia department. AFP reported that the official was guilty of passing along details from judicial investigations to the 'Ndrangheta. Monday's trial was attended by hundreds of lawyers and journalists. Also present at the court was local businessman Rocco Mangiardi who was one of the first people to denounce the 'Ndrangheta for extortion before a judge in 2009. Mangiardi, who has lived under police escort ever since expressed concerns about the low turnout and told AFP that the courtroom should have been full of citizens. "To show the judges that we're on their side and then to tell the mafiosi with their presence 'We don't want you," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 200 Italian mobsters convicted in mafia 'maxi trial'

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Explained | Who are the 'Ndrangheta? Ultrawealthy Italian drug mafia to get 2,200 years in jail

Over 200 Italian mobsters convicted in mafia 'maxi trial'