Blow to the ’Ndrangheta in Italy, 73 People Jailed

In the early hours of Tuesday, July 14, a large-scale anti-mafia operation was carried out in Reggio Calabria, led by the city’s Anti-Mafia Prosecutor’s Office.

The operation was coordinated by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate and carried out by the Carabinieri together with the State Police. Several historic ’Ndrangheta clans were targeted, including the De Stefano, Tegano and Condello families.

As part of the investigation, 79 precautionary measures were enforced. Of these, 73 people were sent to prison, while six others were placed under house arrest.

According to the charges, the suspects had various roles in criminal activities, including participation in a mafia organisation, international drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, illegal possession of weapons and other offences committed using mafia methods.

Investigators say the groups had established a network of illegal activities through which they exercised control over different areas of Reggio Calabria. Their income came mainly from drug trafficking and pressure exerted on business owners and traders.

The investigation also highlighted the economic interests of the mafia clans, as well as the way they organised criminal activities to maintain their influence in the area.