Italian Rail Company RFI Implicated in Mafia 'Ndrangheta's Criminal Network
In a determined effort to combat the 'Ndrangheta mafia, officials from the Provincial Command of the Guardia di Finanza in Milan have launched a new crackdown on this organized crime ring. The focus of this latest operation is on breaking up the 'Ndrangheta's involvement in illegal gambling, drug and human trafficking, and other criminal activities, including infiltrating Italy's primary rail operator, RFI.
The Guardia di Finanza, a specialized police force that tackles financial crimes under the supervision of the Minister of Economy and Finance, has launched an investigation into 11 companies across the country. These companies are suspected of being mere fronts for the 'Ndrangheta.
This operation has so far revealed fraudulent financial activities totaling more than €10 million (approx. $10.68 million), which the authorities have seized as they continue to investigate whether any of this money is legitimate.
Fake Fronts
In appearance, these companies provided supplies, vehicles, and staff to various RFI stations throughout the country for several years. However, it is hypothesized that these entities are nothing more than empty shells involved in generating and submitting thousands of fraudulent invoices, effectively enabling the spread of 'Ndrangheta mafia influence within Italy.
This recent development forms part of an ongoing investigation, tracing back to Operation Triton, which led to the arrest of 15 individuals in early 2022. Individuals charged include tax fraud, bankruptcy, money laundering, and association with the mafia.
The 'Ndrangheta is involved in drug trafficking, manipulating local politics, controlling economic activities, money laundering, and much more. Despite Italy's attempts to dismantle the criminal organization, it continues to flourish.
Since the RFI is responsible for managing Italy's railway network and is a subsidiary of the state-owned Ferrovie dello Stato (Railway of the State), it is probable that the ongoing investigation will reveal more criminal activities involving the company.
Sweeping Up the Mafia
Meanwhile, Carabinieri authorities arrested 12 individuals in the provinces of Rome and Reggio Calabria. These individuals, comprising both Italian and Albanian nationals, are all under serious suspicion related to crimes of association related to drug trafficking and dealing.
The arrests stem from findings gathered during the Triton operation, which had previously dismantled a local faction of the 'Ndrangheta based in the municipalities of Anzio and Nettuno.
This specific investigation uncovered that one 'Ndrangheta member had expanded his drug trafficking operations in Italy from the municipalities of Anzio and Nettuno to Rocca di Papa and Grottaferrata, where the drug trade has become the driving force behind the 'Ndrangheta's growth.
Read also:
- Tanaka's stature in the midfield grows more prominent.
- "The state of our connection is suboptimal"
- Four-year-old boy with autism saved from pond.
- Unmarried Bachelorette Sharon returns.
Source: www.casino.org
