In a coordinated crackdown against the mafia, police across Europe have arrested dozens of people, seized millions of euros in assets, and raided homes. The operation aimed to dismantle the Italian ‘ndrangheta organized crime syndicate, one of the world’s most extensive and powerful drug-trafficking groups. The European Union judicial cooperation agency Eurojust led the initiative to bust the ‘ndrangheta’s network, which includes Colombian drug producers, paramilitary groups, and deals in tons of cocaine each year, moved to Europe and Australia.
According to NPR, as reported by the outlet, the investigation revealed how these networks use ports in Ecuador, Panama, and Brazil to ship the drugs to northern European ports and deal in weapons. The proceeds were then laundered through restaurants, ice cream shops, and car washes. Money was then sent back to Colombian drug producers via a Chinese wire transfer service. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said, “Today’s raids are one of the largest operations to date in the fight against Italian organized crime.”
Police in Italy served arrest warrants on 108 people, accused of mafia association, possession, production, and trafficking of drugs and weapons, money laundering, and other crimes. The network’s key figure, former boss Rocco Morabito, was arrested in Brazil in 2021 after being on the run for almost two decades. The operation confirmed the enduring strength of a few well-known ‘ndrangheta clans operating in the Calabrian town of San Luca.
Mafia Crackdown Across Europe
In addition to Italy, arrest warrants were served in Belgium, France, Portugal, Romania, and Spain. Raids were conducted in Slovenia, where police arrested a 62-year-old Italian man on charges of criminal association, money laundering, and drug trafficking. They also seized half a million euros and various documents.
Officials estimated the operation resulted in the seizure of 23 tons of cocaine over years of investigation, which deprived the ‘ndrangheta of approximately 2.5 billion euros ($2.8 billion) in drug revenue. They also announced the seizure of assets worth 25 million euros. The German Federal Office of Criminal Investigation, as mentioned by NPR, said that the ‘ndrangheta had been firmly established in Germany since the 1970s, and it is considered the strongest of the Italian organized crime groups in the country.
Xylo News 