Prosecutors in the southern Italian city of Catanzaro have demanded a total of 4,744 years in prison for 322 suspects in the mafia trial known as “Rinascita Scott”. The maximum penalty is 30 years in prison.
The sensational trial has been running since 2021. The suspects are suspected of membership in the mafia, murder, illegal possession of weapons and drug trafficking. The list of defendants, including politicians, lawyers and businessmen, shows how deeply rooted the ‘Ndrangheta is in Calabria. A ruling is expected in September.
The trial follows an extensive investigation that led to the arrest of 334 people in December 2019 as part of Italy’s largest anti-mafia operation since the 1980s. Arrests were also made in Germany, Switzerland and Bulgaria, including Calabrian politicians such as a former senator and the mayor of a municipality in Calabria.
Close involvement in politics
The investigation revealed that the ‘Ndrangheta were heavily involved in politics. Dubbed “Rinascita Scott”, the investigation focused on Vibo Valentina but expanded to northern Italy. It was led by Catanzaro’s chief prosecutor, Nicola Gratteri, who is considered one of the most prominent ‘Ndrangheta experts. He focused on the clan of the Mancuso family.
The ‘Ndrangheta is one of the most powerful mafia organizations in the world. It dominates the international drug trade, but also makes its money from weapons, money laundering and corruption. Experts estimate that the ‘Ndrangheta has an annual worldwide turnover of between 50 and 100 billion euros.
Source: Krone
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