In a historic ruling, an Italian court has sentenced more than 200 members of the notorious ‘Ndrangheta crime group to a collective 2,200 years in prison, marking Italy’s largest mafia trial in 30 years. The trial, known as the Rinascita Scott, unfolded in a purpose-built bunker in the southern town of Lamezia Terme over two years and ten months, concluding on October 16, 2023.
A panel of three judges delivered the verdict on November 20, 2023, after meticulous deliberation. The trial involved 338 accused individuals, defended by over 400 lawyers and witnessed by approximately 900 individuals. The court’s decision, handed down in a swift one hour and 40 minutes, resulted in 207 convictions and more than 100 acquittals.
The sentences include five life imprisonments and three 30-year terms, marking a significant blow to the criminal organization. The convicted individuals, including 42 women—a record for a mafia trial—had nicknames such as “The Wolf,” “Fatso,” “Sweetie,” and “Lamb Thigh,” revealing the colorful underworld language captured through 24,000 wiretaps presented as evidence during the trial.
Notable figures among the convicted include onetime Forza Italia lawmaker Giancarlo Pittelli, former police chief Giorgio Naselli, former financial police officer Michele Marinaro, ex-mayor Gianluca Callipo, and former regional councilors Luigi Incarnato and Pietro Giamborino.
The Rinascita Scott trial focused on charges of mafia association, extortion, bribery, and five murders. The ‘Ndrangheta, based in Calabria, is considered the most powerful mafia group in Italy and one of the most influential criminal enterprises globally. The organization has a stronghold on European drug trafficking, according to Europol.
The trial’s name, Rinascita Scott, pays tribute to United States special agent Scott W. Sieben, recognized for uncovering ties between Colombia’s cartels and the ‘Ndrangheta. The significance of this trial extends beyond national borders, showcasing the collaborative efforts to combat transnational organized crime.
The judges, who lived under police protection throughout the trial due to safety concerns, delivered justice against a backdrop of courage and perseverance. The landmark convictions demonstrate Italy’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and uphold the rule of law, sending a powerful message against the influence of organized crime within its borders.
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