Over 200 gang members have been sentenced to a total of more than 2,200 years after one of the biggest mafia trials in Italian history.
Some 338 defendants were accused of being members of the powerful crime group, ‘Ndrangheta, with the trial ongoing since January 2021.
Founded in the 18th century in Calabria, it has grown to become one of the world’s most powerful, extensive and richest criminal organisations.
‘Ndrangheta is the only mafia to be active in every continent – apart from Antarctica – is said to control 80% of Europe’s cocaine trade, and has an estimated annual turnover of £52bn.
The three-year trial involved mafiosi, entrepreneurs and politicians, and included charges of murder, corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering and extortion.
Since retiring last month to consider their verdicts, the three judges had to live in a safe house under police protection.
Some 67 defendants were already found guilty after opting for a speedy trial, and 131 people have now been acquitted
Over 200 gang members have been sentenced to a total of more than 2,200 years after one of the biggest mafia trials in Italian history.
Some 338 defendants were accused of being members of the powerful crime group, ‘Ndrangheta, with the trial ongoing since January 2021.
Founded in the 18th century in Calabria, it has grown to become one of the world’s most powerful, extensive and richest criminal organisations.
‘Ndrangheta is the only mafia to be active in every continent – apart from Antarctica – is said to control 80% of Europe’s cocaine trade, and has an estimated annual turnover of £52bn.
The three-year trial involved mafiosi, entrepreneurs and politicians, and included charges of murder, corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering and extortion.
Since retiring last month to consider their verdicts, the three judges had to live in a safe house under police protection.
Some 67 defendants were already found guilty after opting for a speedy trial, and 131 people have now been acquitted
